History of emergence of Bangladesh
Mohammad Amjad Hossain
August 29, 2011
History of emergence of Bangladesh
Mohammad Amjad Hossain
Over the last 40 years I have heard many conflicting stories to the emergence of Bangladesh in the world map in December 1971. It is time to place history of the emergence of Bangladesh in proper perspective for the future generation to come. The emergence of Bangladesh as of now is shrouded with mystery.
The myth was that Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, President of Awami League declared independence either on 7 March in 1971 at Paltan Maidan or on the fateful night of March 25 when Pakistan army launched crack down on East Pakistan Rifles, Ansars, dormitories of Dhaka University and unarmed innocent people of East Pakistan to create havoc to scare people to avoid anti-Pakistan movement. On 7 March at Paltan Maidan the people had great expectation that Sk Mujibur Rahman would declare independence. Despite pressure from pro-Awami league student leaders Sk Mujib did not cross the boundary of Pakistan constitution. This mammoth gathering took place against the backdrop of postponement of the session of National Assembly on March 03, 1971 because Z.A.Bhutto, Leader of the People´s Party in West Pakistan had refused to join the session if power is not shared with his party.
This is what SK .Mujibur Rahman said at Paltan Maidan: "he would consider attending session of National Assembly only if four points are met. These four points were: lifting of Martial Law immediately; transfer of power to the elected representatives; recall the troops to their barracks and to hold an enquiry into the killings of civilians by the army. .Only rambling point he raised was that this time the movement was meant for freedom if these four points are not implemented. It was not declaration of independence .Had he declared independence President Gen.Yahya Khan of Pakistan would certainly not have arrived to continue further discussion with secessionist leader of Pakistan. Talks were held on March 24 in a friendly atmosphere and the people were given to understand that President of Pakistan had accepted four points of Sk.Mujibur Rahman.Minutes of Washington Special Actions Group Meeting on March 26, 1971 under the chairmanship of Henry Kissinger confirms that it looked as though an agreement were in sight. In his comment Dr.Kissinger, Special Assistance to the President on National Security Affairs, said: "I have no idea what caused the breakdown in talks. I was as much surprised as anyone else". State department´s representative Christopher Van Hollen is reported to have indicated possibly there would be a backlash in the West against Bhutto because it was he who forced Yahya to postpone the constituent assembly.
Sheikh Mujibur Rahman became President of Awami League after Nawabzada Nasrullah Khan, a West Pakistani political leader, quitted the Party because Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, General Secretary of the Party had placed six-point formula at the convention of the Party in Lahore 1966 without the knowledge of the Party chief.Nawabzada Nasrullah khan took the leadership of All Pakistan Awami League following the death of Huseyn Shaheed Suhrawardy in a hotel in Beirut, Lebanon.
That Sheikh Mujibur Rahman had no intention to cede from Pakistan has also been reflected in the writing of Major-General D.K. Palit of Indian Army in his book: Lighting campaign. I quote excerpt from the book: "aware of that a show down was imminent for which Pakistan´s Eastern Headquarter would be adequately prepared. Why did he (Sheikh Mujibur Rahman) not reinforce the general strikes and autonomous administrative policies with some sort of defensive contingency plan?" Sheikh Mujibur Rahman had no option but to courted arrest willingly as the situation went beyond his control in the hands of pro-Awami League student group: Chhtra league. One of the leaders: A.S.M.Abdur Rob was reportedly hosted Bangladesh flag at Paltan Maidan for which he was admonished by Sheikh Mujibur Rahman publicly. The fact is that Sheikh Mujibur Rahman had surrendered in spite of the request of Tajuddin Ahmad, General Secretary of Awami League, who navigated the movement for war of liberation from Indian soil subsequently. This is what Badruddin Omar (former Professor of Sociology in Rajshahi University and a writer) has to say about surrender: "the atmosphere on 25 March, particularly in the evening, was full of apprehension that a military action was imminent. Some of the leaders of the Awami League were seriously thinking of going underground and they wanted Sheikh Mujib to leave his residence and move to a safe shelter. Curiously, Sheikh Mujib stubbornly refused to do so though he advised others to leave Dhaka and go underground. According to Amirul Islam, he pressed Sheikh Mujib to go into hiding and Tajuddin Ahmed did the same, and repeatedly requested him to leave his house. Many others tried to persuade him, but he remained firm in his decision not to leave." M.R. Akhtar, writer of Charampatra(final letter broadcast from make-shift broadcasting station from India) and Ami Bijoydekhchi( I saw the victory), also indicated that Sheikh Mujib surrendered on receiving assurance from possibly American Ambassador. Jyoti Sen Gupta in his book: Bangladesh in blood and tears wrote that Sheikh Mujib was in favor of compromise having talks with US Ambassador Farland.
The fact is that declaration of independence came from unknown (at that time) Major Zia from make-shift Kalurghat radio station of Chittagong on March 27, 1971.First declaration was in his name. Second revised declaration was in the name of political Leader Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. This was acknowledged by Tajuddin Ahmed in his speech from India on April 13,1971 that "you might have heard first independent voice from organization camp by Major Zia following primary winning in the war" and Indian President Sanjiva Reddy in his welcome dinner speech in honor of Bangladesh President Ziaur Rahman on December 27,1977 said: "your position is already assured in the annals of the history of your country as a brave freedom fighter who was the first to declare the independence of Bangladesh".
Sheikh Mujibur Rahman had possibly been suffering from his guilt because of his disassociation with the movement. First action of Mujibur Rahman was to rehabilitate Dr.Kamal Hossain, who was his close associate during the course of discussion with Pakistan President Yahya Khan and US Ambassador to Pakistan Joseph Farland. He was in Karachi as well at the same time when Sk.Mujibur Rahman flew to Karachi by Pakistan army. Father-in-law´s house of Dr.Kamal Hossain was in Karachi. It is still unknown whether Dr.Kamal Hossain, an eminent International Jurist, was arrested or not, but he landed in Dhaka along with Sheikh Mujibur Rahman on 10 January,1972 from Pakistan via London.Dr.Kamal Hossain was appointed as Foreign Minister replacing Abdus Samad Azad, who was in India during war of liberation. Secondly, Tajuddin Ahmad, Finance and Planning Minister, who spearheaded the movement from Indian soil, was asked to resign by Sheikh Mujibur Rahman because as reported Sheikh Mujibur Rahman lost confidence in him. Tajuddin Ahmad was not in favor of seeking assistance from America because of anti-liberation role played by America. Both pro-Indian lobby lost jobs. Abdus Samad Azad was given the portfolio of Agricultural ministry.
The fact is that family members of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman remained in Dhaka during nine months of liberation war without any difficulties. Why then alleged traitor´s family remain unscathed from army action. Sheikh Mujibur Rahman´s eldest daughter Sheikh Hasina, now Prime Minister of Bangladesh, gave birth to her first son in July, 1971 at Dhaka Medical college hospital.
Sheikh Mujibur Rahman built up political base in East Pakistan for Huseyn Shaheed Suhrawardy, who came from Urdu speaking aristocrat Muslim family of Calcutta and settled in Karachi on return from Calcutta after partition of the British India in 1947. It may be noted that Khajwa Najmuddin, son of an Urdu speaking aristocrat family of Dhaka and Huseyn Shaheed Suhrawardy, both former Chief Minister of Bengal, has had political rivalry. Therefore, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was picked up by Huseyn Shaheed Suhrawardy as his political disciple to help him win majority votes to rule in Pakistan.Huseyn Shaheed Suhrawardy became Prime Minister of Pakistan for a short period when Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was made chairman of Pakistan Tea board from June, 1957 to 1958. As a disciple of Huseyn Shaheed Suhrawardy Sheikh Mujibur Rahman came to learn "the art of constitutional politics" as indicated by S.M.Ali in his book: After the dark night.
The fact is that Sheikh Mujibur Rahman owes to wealthy family of West Pakistan as he was on the pay roll of Yusuf Haroon group of Karachi as chief of Alfa insurance company in Dhaka. He did not have to go to the office of Alfa insurance company. His pay cheque was used to carry by Manager, Mujtaba Khan to Dhanmondi house from Jinnah Avenue office of Alfa Insurance Company. Sheikh Mujibur Rahman could have boycotted the general elections which were held under Martial law framework order. He did not boycott the election despite calls from other opposition political parties and path kept open to become Prime Minister of Pakistan. That was the dream of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. His political base was East Pakistan while political hobnobbing was Flashman hotel in Rawalpindi where I happened to meet him and Manik Mia, Editor of Daily Ittefaq´ in 1968.
By all accounts Sheikh Mujibur Rahman´s dream was to become the Prime Minister of undivided Pakistan. Sensing compromise with the President Yahya Khan leader of the People´s Party Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto aligned with military top-notch to disrupt the talks by pointing out that 6 points formula would weaken the role of Pakistan army and it was tantamount to secession. The fact was that by now Sheikh Mujibur Rahman had dropped two points, including separate currency. And Pakistan was set apart because of foolishness of President Yahya khan.
Had he slightest respect for liberation movement by the people of East Pakistan Sheikh Mujibur Rahman should have undertaken a tour to visit Badynathtala in Meherpur district where first Bangladesh government in exile was formed on April 17, 1971. During his life time Sheikh Mujibur Rahman did not visit Badynathtala.
During Sheikh Mujibur Rahman´s rule a tripartite agreement between Bangladesh, India and Pakistan was signed in New Delhi on April 9, 1974. That agreement had to forgo the holding of trial of prisoners of war. 195 Pakistani army officers were identified for war crime trial. Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was instrumental of the withdrawal of Indian troops from the soil of Bangladesh within three months. Despite protest from Indira Gandhi, Prime Minister of India, who initiated action to support Mukti Foujz (Freedom fighters) to liberate East Pakistan from Pakistan army,Sheikh Mujibur Rahman went to Lahore in Pakistan to attend second summit of the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC) in February,1974. This was happened when bloods of the people of Bangladesh did not dry up. These are facts which could not be repudiated. These facts speak truth about the role of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman during war of liberation and after Bangladesh came into being. Under any circumstances Sheikh Mujibur Rahman should not be held responsible for dismantling Pakistan.
Mohammad Amjad Hossain,retired diplomat from Bangladesh and former President of Nova Toastmasters International club, writes from Virginia
Mohammad Amjad Hossain
Over the last 40 years I have heard many conflicting stories to the emergence of Bangladesh in the world map in December 1971. It is time to place history of the emergence of Bangladesh in proper perspective for the future generation to come. The emergence of Bangladesh as of now is shrouded with mystery.
The myth was that Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, President of Awami League declared independence either on 7 March in 1971 at Paltan Maidan or on the fateful night of March 25 when Pakistan army launched crack down on East Pakistan Rifles, Ansars, dormitories of Dhaka University and unarmed innocent people of East Pakistan to create havoc to scare people to avoid anti-Pakistan movement. On 7 March at Paltan Maidan the people had great expectation that Sk Mujibur Rahman would declare independence. Despite pressure from pro-Awami league student leaders Sk Mujib did not cross the boundary of Pakistan constitution. This mammoth gathering took place against the backdrop of postponement of the session of National Assembly on March 03, 1971 because Z.A.Bhutto, Leader of the People´s Party in West Pakistan had refused to join the session if power is not shared with his party.
This is what SK .Mujibur Rahman said at Paltan Maidan: "he would consider attending session of National Assembly only if four points are met. These four points were: lifting of Martial Law immediately; transfer of power to the elected representatives; recall the troops to their barracks and to hold an enquiry into the killings of civilians by the army. .Only rambling point he raised was that this time the movement was meant for freedom if these four points are not implemented. It was not declaration of independence .Had he declared independence President Gen.Yahya Khan of Pakistan would certainly not have arrived to continue further discussion with secessionist leader of Pakistan. Talks were held on March 24 in a friendly atmosphere and the people were given to understand that President of Pakistan had accepted four points of Sk.Mujibur Rahman.Minutes of Washington Special Actions Group Meeting on March 26, 1971 under the chairmanship of Henry Kissinger confirms that it looked as though an agreement were in sight. In his comment Dr.Kissinger, Special Assistance to the President on National Security Affairs, said: "I have no idea what caused the breakdown in talks. I was as much surprised as anyone else". State department´s representative Christopher Van Hollen is reported to have indicated possibly there would be a backlash in the West against Bhutto because it was he who forced Yahya to postpone the constituent assembly.
Sheikh Mujibur Rahman became President of Awami League after Nawabzada Nasrullah Khan, a West Pakistani political leader, quitted the Party because Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, General Secretary of the Party had placed six-point formula at the convention of the Party in Lahore 1966 without the knowledge of the Party chief.Nawabzada Nasrullah khan took the leadership of All Pakistan Awami League following the death of Huseyn Shaheed Suhrawardy in a hotel in Beirut, Lebanon.
That Sheikh Mujibur Rahman had no intention to cede from Pakistan has also been reflected in the writing of Major-General D.K. Palit of Indian Army in his book: Lighting campaign. I quote excerpt from the book: "aware of that a show down was imminent for which Pakistan´s Eastern Headquarter would be adequately prepared. Why did he (Sheikh Mujibur Rahman) not reinforce the general strikes and autonomous administrative policies with some sort of defensive contingency plan?" Sheikh Mujibur Rahman had no option but to courted arrest willingly as the situation went beyond his control in the hands of pro-Awami League student group: Chhtra league. One of the leaders: A.S.M.Abdur Rob was reportedly hosted Bangladesh flag at Paltan Maidan for which he was admonished by Sheikh Mujibur Rahman publicly. The fact is that Sheikh Mujibur Rahman had surrendered in spite of the request of Tajuddin Ahmad, General Secretary of Awami League, who navigated the movement for war of liberation from Indian soil subsequently. This is what Badruddin Omar (former Professor of Sociology in Rajshahi University and a writer) has to say about surrender: "the atmosphere on 25 March, particularly in the evening, was full of apprehension that a military action was imminent. Some of the leaders of the Awami League were seriously thinking of going underground and they wanted Sheikh Mujib to leave his residence and move to a safe shelter. Curiously, Sheikh Mujib stubbornly refused to do so though he advised others to leave Dhaka and go underground. According to Amirul Islam, he pressed Sheikh Mujib to go into hiding and Tajuddin Ahmed did the same, and repeatedly requested him to leave his house. Many others tried to persuade him, but he remained firm in his decision not to leave." M.R. Akhtar, writer of Charampatra(final letter broadcast from make-shift broadcasting station from India) and Ami Bijoydekhchi( I saw the victory), also indicated that Sheikh Mujib surrendered on receiving assurance from possibly American Ambassador. Jyoti Sen Gupta in his book: Bangladesh in blood and tears wrote that Sheikh Mujib was in favor of compromise having talks with US Ambassador Farland.
The fact is that declaration of independence came from unknown (at that time) Major Zia from make-shift Kalurghat radio station of Chittagong on March 27, 1971.First declaration was in his name. Second revised declaration was in the name of political Leader Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. This was acknowledged by Tajuddin Ahmed in his speech from India on April 13,1971 that "you might have heard first independent voice from organization camp by Major Zia following primary winning in the war" and Indian President Sanjiva Reddy in his welcome dinner speech in honor of Bangladesh President Ziaur Rahman on December 27,1977 said: "your position is already assured in the annals of the history of your country as a brave freedom fighter who was the first to declare the independence of Bangladesh".
Sheikh Mujibur Rahman had possibly been suffering from his guilt because of his disassociation with the movement. First action of Mujibur Rahman was to rehabilitate Dr.Kamal Hossain, who was his close associate during the course of discussion with Pakistan President Yahya Khan and US Ambassador to Pakistan Joseph Farland. He was in Karachi as well at the same time when Sk.Mujibur Rahman flew to Karachi by Pakistan army. Father-in-law´s house of Dr.Kamal Hossain was in Karachi. It is still unknown whether Dr.Kamal Hossain, an eminent International Jurist, was arrested or not, but he landed in Dhaka along with Sheikh Mujibur Rahman on 10 January,1972 from Pakistan via London.Dr.Kamal Hossain was appointed as Foreign Minister replacing Abdus Samad Azad, who was in India during war of liberation. Secondly, Tajuddin Ahmad, Finance and Planning Minister, who spearheaded the movement from Indian soil, was asked to resign by Sheikh Mujibur Rahman because as reported Sheikh Mujibur Rahman lost confidence in him. Tajuddin Ahmad was not in favor of seeking assistance from America because of anti-liberation role played by America. Both pro-Indian lobby lost jobs. Abdus Samad Azad was given the portfolio of Agricultural ministry.
The fact is that family members of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman remained in Dhaka during nine months of liberation war without any difficulties. Why then alleged traitor´s family remain unscathed from army action. Sheikh Mujibur Rahman´s eldest daughter Sheikh Hasina, now Prime Minister of Bangladesh, gave birth to her first son in July, 1971 at Dhaka Medical college hospital.
Sheikh Mujibur Rahman built up political base in East Pakistan for Huseyn Shaheed Suhrawardy, who came from Urdu speaking aristocrat Muslim family of Calcutta and settled in Karachi on return from Calcutta after partition of the British India in 1947. It may be noted that Khajwa Najmuddin, son of an Urdu speaking aristocrat family of Dhaka and Huseyn Shaheed Suhrawardy, both former Chief Minister of Bengal, has had political rivalry. Therefore, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was picked up by Huseyn Shaheed Suhrawardy as his political disciple to help him win majority votes to rule in Pakistan.Huseyn Shaheed Suhrawardy became Prime Minister of Pakistan for a short period when Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was made chairman of Pakistan Tea board from June, 1957 to 1958. As a disciple of Huseyn Shaheed Suhrawardy Sheikh Mujibur Rahman came to learn "the art of constitutional politics" as indicated by S.M.Ali in his book: After the dark night.
The fact is that Sheikh Mujibur Rahman owes to wealthy family of West Pakistan as he was on the pay roll of Yusuf Haroon group of Karachi as chief of Alfa insurance company in Dhaka. He did not have to go to the office of Alfa insurance company. His pay cheque was used to carry by Manager, Mujtaba Khan to Dhanmondi house from Jinnah Avenue office of Alfa Insurance Company. Sheikh Mujibur Rahman could have boycotted the general elections which were held under Martial law framework order. He did not boycott the election despite calls from other opposition political parties and path kept open to become Prime Minister of Pakistan. That was the dream of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. His political base was East Pakistan while political hobnobbing was Flashman hotel in Rawalpindi where I happened to meet him and Manik Mia, Editor of Daily Ittefaq´ in 1968.
By all accounts Sheikh Mujibur Rahman´s dream was to become the Prime Minister of undivided Pakistan. Sensing compromise with the President Yahya Khan leader of the People´s Party Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto aligned with military top-notch to disrupt the talks by pointing out that 6 points formula would weaken the role of Pakistan army and it was tantamount to secession. The fact was that by now Sheikh Mujibur Rahman had dropped two points, including separate currency. And Pakistan was set apart because of foolishness of President Yahya khan.
Had he slightest respect for liberation movement by the people of East Pakistan Sheikh Mujibur Rahman should have undertaken a tour to visit Badynathtala in Meherpur district where first Bangladesh government in exile was formed on April 17, 1971. During his life time Sheikh Mujibur Rahman did not visit Badynathtala.
During Sheikh Mujibur Rahman´s rule a tripartite agreement between Bangladesh, India and Pakistan was signed in New Delhi on April 9, 1974. That agreement had to forgo the holding of trial of prisoners of war. 195 Pakistani army officers were identified for war crime trial. Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was instrumental of the withdrawal of Indian troops from the soil of Bangladesh within three months. Despite protest from Indira Gandhi, Prime Minister of India, who initiated action to support Mukti Foujz (Freedom fighters) to liberate East Pakistan from Pakistan army,Sheikh Mujibur Rahman went to Lahore in Pakistan to attend second summit of the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC) in February,1974. This was happened when bloods of the people of Bangladesh did not dry up. These are facts which could not be repudiated. These facts speak truth about the role of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman during war of liberation and after Bangladesh came into being. Under any circumstances Sheikh Mujibur Rahman should not be held responsible for dismantling Pakistan.
Mohammad Amjad Hossain,retired diplomat from Bangladesh and former President of Nova Toastmasters International club, writes from Virginia
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