Morning News
25th April 1966
Withdrawal of Cases against Mujib Demanded
(By our staff Reporter)
A public meeting organised by the Awami League in Dacca yesterday urged the withdrawal of all cased against Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, President of the party and protested against what it described as his “harassment”.
The speakers at the meeting also reiterated the party’s support to his six-point programme. They asserted that the six-point programme was the “question of life and death for the people of East Pakistan”.
The Vice-President of the EPAL, Hafez Habibur Rahman, conducted the meeting held at the Outer Stadium. The Chair reserved for the president of the meeting was kept vacant in the absence of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. The speakers included Messrs Zaheeruddin, Tajuddin Ahmed, Mizanur Rahman, MNA, Rafiqul Hussain, Khondokar Mushtaq Ahmed and Mr. Obaidur Rahman.
Mr. Zaheeruddin General Secretary of the Pakistan Awami League, said the six-point programme of the Awami League aimed at ensuring economic and political freedom for the people of East Pakistan from the centre. He claimed that people of East Pakistan were solidly behind Awami League for its realisation.
Mr. Zaheeruddin was of the opinion that the realisation of the six-point programme would make the country stronger. He also urged holding of a reterendum on the issue adding that Awami League would accept the verdict of the people.
Mr. Tajuddin Ahmed, General Secretary of the East Pakistan Provincial Awami League, said his party sincerely believed in the merits of the six-point programme and was determined to continue its struggle for its realtisation.
Mr. Mizanur Rahman, MNA, attacked the Government policy with regard to the provisioin or eliminating disparity between the two Wings of Pakistan. Mr. Rahman while trying to substantiate his charges against the Government said the Government had sanctioned more money for development of West Pakistan than East Pakistan. He also quoted figures claiming that East Pakistan was being constantly ignored by centre although the removal of disparity between the two provinces was made a constitutional obligation Mr. Rahman said the six-point programme was the only solution to the problem of disparity. He said only by the realisation of the six-point programme that the people of East Pakistan could get their due share from the centre.
‘The meeting by a resolution, expressed its concern over the rising tendency of prices of rice and other essential commodities in the province. By the same resolution the meeting urges the Government to introduce rationing system throughout East Pakistan and release the Government stock of rice at the price it had purchased from the people.
The meeting by another resolution demanded the withdrawal or emergency and restoration of fundamental rights. The meeting also urged the Government to withdraw the ordinance banning the use of tendy leaves.
The meeting demanded the fixation of the prices of jute and other agricultural commodities at reasonable measures to control the epidemics in the province.
The meeting by another resolution condoled the death of Mr. Habibullah Bahar and prayed for the salvation of the departed soul.
Mr. Rashid Suhrawardy son of the late Mr. H.S. Suhrawardy, was also present at the meeting
Later a procession was brought out which marched up to Sadarghat via Nawabpur.
সূত্র: সংবাদপত্রে বঙ্গবন্ধু তৃতীয় খণ্ড: ষাটের দশক॥ দ্বিতীয় পর্ব