Morning News
25th February 1969
Mujib hopes agreed formula will be devised for RTC
(From Our Staff Reporter)
LAHORE, FEB. 24: SHHIKH MUJIBUR RAHMAN, AWAMI LEAGUE CHIEF HAS EXPRESSED THE HOPE THAT DURING HIS MEETING WITH DAC LEADERS AN AGREED FORMULA WILL BE DEVISED FOR A ROUND TABLE CONFERENCE WITH THE GOVERNMENT ON CONSTITUTIONAL AND POLITICAL ISSUES.
He however, made it clear that there could be no bargaining on peoples right which must be respected. We want a constitution for people by people, he said.
Talking to newsmen at the residence of Malik Ghulam Jeelani soon after his arrival from Dacca, Sheikh Mujib said that he would stick to his demand for representation on the basis of population as against party between both wings.
Asked by a foreign correspondent whether he would be a candidate in the forthcoming presidential elections, Sheikh Mujib said that he was in favour of parliamentary form of Government and in such a system the question of his being a presidential candidate did not arise.
When questioned if he was satisfied with his talks with Maulana Bhashani, Sheikh Mujib quipped that it that was so Maulana should have come with him from Dacca.
Sheikh Mujib demanded that Press and Publication Ordinance and Safety Act should be immediately withdrawn because such laws were still being used for suppression of people in both the wings. If Government continued with its repressive policies there could be no peace in country, he said.
Elaborating his stand regarding DAC’s eight points, he said that these points did not constitute a programme, but were just preconditions, Sheikh Mujib reaffirmed his stand about Awami League’s six points.
ONE UNIT
Our Staff Reporter add: Sheikh Mujibur Rahman yesterday reiterated his demand for “full regional autonomy for East Pakistan” and “dismemberment of One Unit in West Pakistan.”
Talking to newsmen at Dacca airport before his departure for Lahore, he said “regional autonomy for East Pakistan also meant similar autonomy for the West Pakistan Provinces.”
The Awami League leader said the DAC and other leaders must be clear on what were the problems facing the country and what would be their programme. He said “we must settle our mind first” before going to the RTC.
He said he was going to the DAC meeting and also to the round table conference “with open mind.”
Sheikh Mujibur Rahman hoped that the proposed round table conference will start after Eed-ul-Azha. He said “I have not enjoyed Eed with my family because I was in jail.” He said “I would like to enjoy Eed with my family this time.”
Mr. Bhutto who was sitting by the side of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in the VIP room during interview at this stage said “It is fair demand,” and added “I think this can always be met.”
He is expected to return to Dacca on February 27.
PPA adds from Dacca: Asked about his opinion on allowing all parties to work freely, he said that was the essence of democracy. In reply to a pointed question about the functioning of the Communist Party in Pakistan, Sheikh Mujib replied “Why not?”
Questioned about relation with India, Sheikh Mujib sharply replied that he would not discuss foreign policy at the moment. There were many national problems which required immediate attention, he added.
AZAM MEETS MUJIB
APP adds: Lt. Gen. Azam Khan said here today that he had a very satisfactory talk with Sheikh Mujibur Rahman at his home this afternoon.
In a Press statement he said we discussed a number of important national issues and in particular the round table conference being held in Rawalpindi in some detail.
I am confident after talks with Sheikh Mujibur Rahman that in all the issues that will be discussed we shall maintain the interest of the nation above all. The national demands are quite clear and we shall work to restore the sovereignty of the people.
We must work for the integration, solidarity, unity and prosperity of Pakistan and every citizen of Pakistan must feel that he is free citizen of a free state and has a full say in the affairs of the country through directly elected representatives on the basis of adult franchise. May Allah guide us in all our decisions.
ASGHAR MEETS MUJIB
Former PAF chief, Air Marshal Asghar Khan had a meeting today with Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and later said that he was satisfied over his talks with him.
He was talking to newsmen at his residence who had gone there to know about the talks between the two leaders.
He said he was going to Rawalpindi tomorrow (Tuesday) to meet the DAC leaders and to put forward certain suggestion to them. He added only then he would decide whether he would participate in the round table conference.
সুত্র: সংবাদপত্রে বঙ্গবন্ধু: পঞ্চম খণ্ড ॥ ষাটের দশক ॥ চতুর্থ পর্ব ॥ ১৯৬৯