AWAMI LEAGUE TO ATTEND NATIONAL ASSEMBLY SESSION
IF 4-POINT DEMAND IS ACCEPTED
Announcement of Sheikh
Mujibur Rahman's
decision at a Public Meeting
on
Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, leader of the majority party
Awami League, today announced his decision to participate in the National
Assembly session provided his four-point demand was accepted before the
session.
Addressing a huge public meeting at the Ramna Race
Cource Maidan here this afternoon, Sheikh Mujib listed his demands as (1) the
withdrawal of Martial Law, (2) Sending of troops back to barracks, (3) Inquiry
into the killings and (4) Transfer of power to the elected representatives of
the people.
The Awami League leader announced the closure of all
Government, semiGovernment offices in Bangla Desh and stoppage of all rents
and taxes until the demands of the Bengalis were accepted.
Sheikh Mujib declared that he did not want
Premiership but the realisation of the rights of the people.
He outrightly denied having accepted the proposal
for a meeting of the parliamentary party leaders of different political
parties.
Background
Sheikh Mujibur Rahman said that as the leader of the
majority party he had suggested the inauguration of the National Assembly
session on Feb. 15 but he said, the proposal of the minority party leaders had
been accepted in summoning the Assembly for the first time on March 3.
He said, he was also not consulted before postponing
the Assembly and also re-summoning it on March 25.
This negligence, he said, towards the leaders of the
majority party was in fact a dishonour shown to the seven crore people of
Bangla Desh.
Discussions Held
Sheikh Sahib said that he had discussions with
various leaders for framing a durable constitution for the country. He also
pointed out that he had made it clear that if a single member made any right
suggestion on the floor of the House, he would be properly listened to and his
suggestion considered.
"It is unfortunate", he said, "even
after all this, we have been blamed for non-co-operation."
The Awami League Chief said that he had also sought
help and co-operation from all groups in the National Assembly for framing the
country's constitution.
Sheikh Mujibur Rahman declared that "we can
live like brothers if we solve our problems peacefully and amicably".
Sheikh Sahib said . that he had invited President
Yahya Khan to come here. Instead, he said, the Presdient held a five hour
secret meeting with Mr. Bhutto and then made a statement summoning the National
Assembly on March 25 without consulting him.
He took exception to putting all blame. on him for
allegedly not taking interest in the efforts of President Yahya and gave a
resume of what he did in making a constitution co-operatively and in complete
understanding with all who took interest in the matter.
In his 20-minute speech at the end of observance of
protest week against the postponement of the National Assembly Session. Sheikh
Mujib gave a brief account of the current political situation in the country
and said they could not agree to attend the RTC-meeting on March, 10 ignoring
the "bloodshed of the people".
The Awami League Chief referred to his talks with
People's Party Chief Mr. Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto, and other
peace/dlr."
Referring to his talks with the PPP Chief, Sheikh
Mujib said the dialogue was
not closed. He had also talks with other leaders of
But, he deplored that Mr. Bhutto instead of
continuing the discussion resorted to threats. The People's Party Chief, he
said and called the National Assembly a "slaughter house" and that
The PPP Chief, he said, also held out threats of
strike from Khyber to,
Sheikh Mujib said 35 Members of the Assembly had
already arrived in
People's Response
Sheikh Mujibur Rahman said in response to his call
for peaceful movement to protest against the postponement of the Assembly
Session the people carne out on the streets. "But what we got? The arms
bought at the cost of our money to defend the country were used against us."
He said whenever the people of Bangla Desh tried to
capture power and become the master of their destiny "they pounced on
us".
Sheikh Mujib referred to the sacrifices in the past
and said "none can stop us from realising our rights when we are prepared
to lay down our lives. We have learnt how to shed blood."
The Awami League Chief, however, asked the people to
be on guard against the "enemies who are amongst us" trying to create
disturbances. He said they must maintain peace and discipline and added:
"It is your responsibility to protect the non-Muslims and
non-Bengalis".
He said the Awami League had already taken measures
to extend relief to those who had suffered in the movements. He said his party
would try its best to help the people who suffered injuries and the needy.
(THE DAWN, Karachi-March 8,
1971)
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