7th March
7th March
7th March
Background:
The state of Pakistan was created in 1947 during the Partition of India to be a Muslim homeland
in South Asia. Its territory comprised most of the Muslim-majority provinces of British India.
Pakistan included two geographically and culturally separate areas in the east and the west of
India. The western zone was popularly (and for a period of time, also officially) termed West
Pakistan and the eastern zone (modern-day Bangladesh) was initially termed East Bengal and
later, East Pakistan. West Pakistan was seen to dominate the country politically and its leaders
exploited the East economically, leading to many grievances.
East Pakistanis noticed that whenever one of them, such as Khawaja Nazimuddin, Muhammad
Ali Bogra, or Huseyn Shaheed Suhrawardy were elected Prime Minister of Pakistan, they were
swiftly deposed by the largely West Pakistani establishment. The military dictatorships of Ayub
Khan (27 October 1958 25 March 1969) and Yahya Khan (25 March 1969 20 December
1971), both West Pakistanis, only heightened such feelings.
In 1966 the Awami League led by Sheikh Mujibur Rahman launched the Six Point Movement,
directed toward provincial autonomy of East Pakistan. The Pakistani establishment rejected the
proposals. The military government arrested Sheikh Mujib and charged him with treason in the
well-known Agartala Conspiracy Case. After three years in jail, Mujib was released in 1969; the
case was dropped in the face of mass protests and widespread violence in East Pakistan, with
people demanding his release.
In 1970 the Awami League, the largest East Pakistani political party and led by Sheikh Mujibur
Rahman, won a landslide victory in the national elections. The party won 167 of the 169 seats
allotted to East Pakistan, and a majority of the 313 seats in the National Assembly. This gave the
Awami League the constitutional right to form a government. However, Zulfikar Ali Bhutto (a
Sindhi ethnic and professor by profession), the leader of the Pakistan Peoples Party, refused to
allow Rahman to become the Prime Minister of Pakistan.
Instead, he proposed the idea of having two Prime Ministers, one for each wing. Negotiations
began in Dhaka between the two sides. In January 1971, President Yahya Khan left Dhaka after
the first round of negotiations and in the airport promised that Sheikh Mujibur Rahman would be
the next Prime Minister of Pakistan and that the newly elected National Assembly would
convene in Dhaka on March 3, 1971. However Zulfikar Ali Bhutto was vehemently opposed to a
Bengali becoming Prime Minister of Pakistan. He had also opposed the Six Points proposal of
the Awami League. Bhutto began a campaign of racially charged speeches across west Pakistan
to invoke the fear of possible Bengali domination. He warned West Pakistani MPs'-elect not to
travel to the East. Capitalization on West-Pakistan and East-Pakistani separatism, Bhutto feared a
civil war, therefore, he secretly send his most trusted companion dr. Mubashir Hassan to meet
with Mujib and his inner circle. Talks were succeeded and it was decided that Mujib would serve
as Prime minister with Bhutto as Mujib's President. These developments were kept hidden from
public and from Pakistan Armed Forces. Meanwhile Bhutto increased the pressure on General
Yahya Khan to take a stance.
The national assembly was thus "postponed" on March 3. This led to a massive outcry across
East Pakistan as thousands protested the postponement which they felt was the last nail in the
coffin for a united Pakistan. The cities of Dhaka, Chittagong, Rangpur, Comilla, Rajshahi, Sylhet
and Khulna were engulfed in violence which saw the security forces killing dozens of unarmed
protesters. The atmosphere became tense as across the province, Bengalis began hoisting the flag
of a future independent Bangladesh. There were open calls from the masses for their leader
Sheikh Mujib to declare independence from Pakistan.
The Awami League then called a mammoth public gathering at Dhaka's historic Race Course
Maidan on March 7 to respond to the boiling tension across the province.
To understand the impact of Sheikh Mujibs speech of 7th March 1971 in relation to
defining the future direction for the liberation struggle of Bangladesh as well as its bearing on the
socio-politics of the subcontinent;
2.
To capture the political situation of the country as well as the sentiments and expectations
of the people of Bangladesh at the time through talking to eye witnesses;
3.
From 1971-2016, forty-five years on, what appeal this speech has on three generations of
Bengalis (from fathers to sons/daughters and grandchildren);
4.
The research also aims to help the younger generation of Bengalis born and brought up
particularly in Europe and America to learn more about the liberation struggle of Bangladesh and
its great leader;
5.
Examine the speech in the context of the national, regional global politics of 60s and 70s;
One of the most notable things was the fading away of the use of the word 'Pakistan' from the
vocabulary of Bangalis of East Pakistan from that day. In his press conference in the evening,
Bangabandhu Sheiklh Mujibur Rahman repeatedly uttered the term 'Bangladesh'.
The government backed goons came out on the streets to resist the general strike of the common
people. At least 50 were admitted Dhaka Medical College Hospital with gunshot wounds. They
were mostly from the Tejgaon area. Azid Morshed and Mamoon of Tejgaon Poly Technique
College died after being brought to the hospital with gunshot wounds.
The martial law administrator imposed curfew on that day. It was announced that until further
announcement, the curfew would remain in place from 7.00 pm to 7.00 am every day.
Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in a press conference in the evening strongly condemned
the shooting of unarmed people. Mujib announced half-day nationwide general strikes between
March 3 to March 6 from 6.00 am to 2.00 pm. The following day he announced a rally at Paltan
after meeting with Chatro Shongram Parishad.
3 March
A mourning day was observed in remembrance of those killed. In a meeting of Chatro League
and Sromik League as the Chief Guest, Bangabandhu observed with a heavy heart: "Whether I
am here or not, Bangalis' liberation struggle should not stop. The blood of Bangalis cannot go in
vain. If I am not here, my colleagues will lead. If they are killed, then those who survive, will
lead. The struggle must go on at any costs. The rights must be established".
Bangabandhu announced earlier that his next instructions would come at the Racecourse Maydan
on 7 March.
4 March
4 March 1971 was tumultuous from the mass demonstrations. As the day passed, the one point
demand as in the aspiration for independence became even more stronger. On this day, thousands
of people came out on the streets breaking the curfew imposed by the military junta.
In Khulna, there were clashes among Bangalis and non-Bangalis on this day. In Dhaka, the
Awami Legaue Parliamentary Group strongly condemned the repression of general strikes and
processions. Due to the continuous strikes, Dhaka along with the whole nation came to a virtual
standstill. East Pakistan Women's Council leaders poet Sufia Kamal and Maleka Begum in a joint
statement called for a demonstration on 6 March at Baitul Mukarram area.
Something significant happened on this day. The name of Radio Pakistan Dhaka was changed to
Dhaka Betar Kendro. This event of that day added a new momentum to the movement which
facilitated the path towards liberation.
6 March
One day before March 7, on March 6, General Yahya Khan had a phone conversation with the
majority leader of the Pakistan National Assembly, Awami League President Bangabandhu
Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. It was also announced on March 6 that the session of the National
Assembly would sit on 25 March at Dhaka.
Due to the prevailing situation, the cornered East Pakistan military establishment tried to
sporadically send messages to Sheikh Mujib and Awami League that independence not be
declared on 7 March. Tanks were put in place keeping the 7 March rally in mind. Military grade
weapons were stockpiled and kept on standby. Major Siddiq Sadiq in his book wrote that the
GOC of East Pakistan told Bangabandhu clearly: "If anything is said contrary to the unity of
Pakistan, it would be met with strong force. Tanks, cannons, machineguns all have been kept
ready for wiping out traitors (Bangalis). If need be, Dhaka would be raised to the ground. There
will be no one left to rule or be ruled".
7 March
It was in this difficult and crisis filled context that Bangabandhu delivered his historic speech at
the Racecourse Maydan on March 7. By stipulating four conditions for the Pakistan military
establishment, Bangabandhu concluded his thunderous speech by saying: "This time, the struggle
is for our liberation, this time the struggle is for our independence".
The Secretariat, Supreme Court, High Court, Judges Courts, and government and semi-government
offices shall remain shut. Only banks may open for two hours daily for business transactions. But no
money shall be transmitted from East to West Pakistan. The Bengali people must stay calm during
these times. Telegraph and telephone communications will be confined within Bangladesh.
The people of this land are facing elimination, so be on guard. If need be, we will bring everything to
a total standstill.
Collect your salaries on time. If the salaries are held up, if a single bullet is fired upon us henceforth,
if the murder of my people does not cease, I call upon you to turn ever home into a fortress against
their onslaught. Use whatever you can put your hands on to confront this enemy. Ever last road must
be blocked.
We will deprive them of food; we will deprive them of water. Even if I am not around to give you the
orders, and if my associates are also not to be found, I ask you to continue your movement unabated.
I say to them again, you are my brothers, return now to the barracks where you belong and no one
will bear any hostility toward you. Only do not attempt to aim any more bullets at our hearts: It will
not do any good!
And the seven million people of this land will not be cowed down by you or accept suppression any
more. The Bengali people have learned how to die for a cause and you will not be able to bring them
under your yoke of suppression!
To assist the families of the martyred and the injured, the Awami League has set up committees that
will do all they can. Please donate whatever you can. Also, employers must give full pay to the
workers who participated in the seven days of hartal or were not able to work because of curfews.
To all government employees, I say that my directives must be followed. I had better not see any of
you attending your offices. From today, until this land has been freed, no taxes will be paid to the
government any more. As of now, leave everything to me. I know how to organize movement.
But be very careful. Keep in mind that the enemy has infiltrated our ranks to engage in the work of
provocateurs. Whether Bengali or non-Bengali, Hindu or Muslim, all is our brothers and it is our
responsibility to ensure their safety.
I also ask you to stop listening to radio, television and the press if these media do not report news of
our movement.
To them, I say, You are our brothers. I beseech your to not turn this country into a living hell. With
you not have to show your faces and confront your conscience some day?
If we can peaceably settle our differences there is still hope that we can co-exist as brothers.
Otherwise there is no hope. If you choose the other path, we may never come face one another again.
For now, I have just one thing to ask of you: Give up any thoughts of enslaving this country under
military rule again!
I ask my people to immediately set up committees under the leadership of the Awami League to carry
on our struggle in every neighborhood, village, union and subdivision of this land.
You must prepare yourselves now with what little you have for the struggle ahead.
Since we have given blood, we will give more of it. But, InshaAllah, we will free the people of this
land!
The struggle this time is for emancipation! The struggle this time is for independence!
Be ready. We cannot afford to lose our momentum. Keep the movement and the struggle alive
because if we fall back the will come down hard upon us.
Be disciplined. No nations movement can be victorious without discipline.
The struggle this time is for emancipation!
The struggle this time is for independence!
Joy Bangla!
Analysis
BANGABANDHU Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's speech of March 7, 1971, will remain as a
milestone in the history of independence of Bangladesh. It is one of the few speeches on record
that changed the course of history and created a new nation. A million people from every walk of
life came to the Ramna Race Course (now Suhrawardy Uddyan) to listen to Bangabandhu. All of
them were charged with emotion. Their expectations were high. Speculation was rife that he
would declare independence of Bangladesh at the meeting. The situation was, therefore, very
tense since nobody knew the consequences of such a declaration.
Bangabandhu spoke for nearly 20 minutes, point by point, without mincing words. He used the
common man's language and dialect, easily understood by the people. His voice was emotional
and thunderous, as usual.
Bangabandhu did not want any bloodbath. He preferred a negotiated settlement of the political
crisis through a peaceful non-cooperation movement. He ordered: Close all courts, offices and
educational institutions for an indefinite period of time. No one will report to their offices -- that
is my order to you. At the same time he asked his people to remain prepared for war and said:
If a single bullet is fired upon us from now on and the killing of my people does not cease, I call
upon you to turn every home into a fortress against their onslaught. Use whatever you can put
your hands on to confront the enemy ... Even if I am not around to give you the order and my
associates are also not to be found, I ask you to continue your struggle unabated.
Finally he made the most famous declaration: Since we have shed blood, we shall shed more
blood but we will free the people of this land, In Shaa-Allah (If God is willing). The struggle this
time is for our freedom; the struggle this time is for independence. Joy Bangla (Victory to
Bangladesh).
With these words, Bangabandhu essentially declared independence in diplomatic language
without proclaiming it openly. There lies the real beauty of the speech. He refrained from making
an open declaration for tactical reasons. A premature declaration of independence would have
labeled him as a secessionist and derailed the whole movement for independence.
The speech mesmerized the audience and inspired the Bengali nation. It resurrected a sleeping
nation and transformed it into a fighting force. The Bengalis fully cooperated with him. All
government offices in Bangladesh started to operate under his instructions. He thus became the
de-facto ruler of Bangladesh.
On March 25, 1971, President Yahya Khan ordered his army to crack down on the Bengalis. By
midnight, the army moved in and began what was called Operation Searchlight. They started
killing unarmed Bengalis ruthlessly and indiscriminately.
The door to a negotiated settlement was thus closed for ever and the War of Independence started
when the Pakistan army fired the first bullet at the Bengalis. During the early hours of March 26,
Bangabandhu had declared the independence of Bangladesh just before he was arrested by the
Pakistan army.
It was Bangabandhu's epoch-making speech of March 7 that inspired and motivated the
liberation forces who fought the war in his name. With the support of our ally India, they were
able to bring the war to its inevitable end in less than nine months. The Pakistan army
surrendered in Dhaka to the joint command of the Mukti Bahini and the Indian army on
December 16, 1971. Bangladesh thus emerged as an independent country.
Key lines:
The struggle this time is for emancipation! The struggle this time is for independence!
Bangladeshis were so sick of the oppression by the Pakistani government. This two lines sums
up what the freedom fight of 1971 meant for every Bangladeshi. This was the fight for their
future, their existence. This line mesmerized the audience and inspired the Bengali nation. It
resurrected a sleeping nation and transformed it into a fighting force.
Bangla Translation:
,
This is without argument the most inspirational line in the whole speech.
In a writing published in the weekly magazine Bichittra on March 26, 1974, Ziaur
Rahman (later President of Bangladesh) wrote that Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur
Rahman's March 7 address was the inspiration behind his taking part in the 1971
liberation war.
The speech has been recognized as one of the world famous speeches in the book "We
Shall Fight on the Beaches: The Speeches That Inspired History", by Jacob F. Field
The highly applauded documentary film Muktir Gaan by Tareque Masud and Catherine
Masud begins with the video of Sheikh Mujib's 7th March speech.
Prominent novelist and columnist Anisul Hoque splendidly blended 7th March speech in
his much-acclaimed fact-based novel Maa (novel), published in 2004.
In his first English novel, The Black Coat, Bangladeshi-Canadian author Neamat Imam
creates a character called Nur Hussain who memorizes Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's 7th
March speech during the Bangladesh famine of 1974. Nur Hussain and his trainer
Khaleque Biswas begin to earn money utilizing the nationalistic fervor of Bengali people,
but as the famine deepens, Nur utilizes the tone of the speech to speak out his own mind
against Sheikh Mujib's rule.
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