Dawn
21st October 1968
Pro-Six Point AL Puts off decision on general elections
From MAHBUBUL ALAM
DACCA, Oct. 20: The pro-Six point Awami League today deferred decision on the controversial issue of whether or not to contest the next general election.
The two-day Council meeting of Awami League, which concluded here today, discussed at lenght the question of participation in the coming general elections, but could not reach a unanimous decision as opinion was sharply divided. Further controversy on the subject was avoided for the time being by agreeing to authorise the working Committee to decide by January next whether or not to contest the elections. The decision to put off the issue of contesting the elections was taken in order to “have a more realistic public opinion and opinion of other political parties.”
The Awami League Council reiterated in general terms its pervious decision to launch a united movement in collaboration with other political parties on common issues. It however did not spell out the issue and terms and conditions on which such a collaboration was possible. So far an opposition unity has not been possible as different opposition parties have failed to draw up a minimum working programme.
The Council today elected new office bearers for the next two years. Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, now facing trial in the Agartala Conspiracy Case and Mr Tajuddin, also under detention, were re- elected President and Secretary respectively of the party. Apart from re-electing Sheikh Mujib as the president, the Council reaffirmmed its confidence in his leadership.
The Council has amended the constitution to create a new section – the peasants section-in the party. Mr Sohrab Husain was elected Secretary of this newly-created branch of Awami League. All other office-bearers were re-elected.
Although the council did not adopt a positive attitude towards opposition unity, the presence in the meeting of the Council of two pro-Moscow NAP leaders, Messrs Mohiuddin Ahmed and Habibur Rahman, were interpreted by political observers as an indication of pro-six point Awami Leaguers growing friendship with pro- Moscow NAP. It could not be ascertained whether similar invitation to attend the council meeting as observers was also extended to other opposition leaders.
By a resolution the Council condemned the Israeli occupation of Arab territories and asked Israel to pull out from Arab soil.
By another resolution the Council demanded withdrawal of state of emergency. It demanded release of all political prisoners and withdrawal of all “political cases” against Sheikh Mujib and others.
সূত্র: সংবাদপত্রে বঙ্গবন্ধু চতুর্থ খণ্ড: ষাটের দশক ॥ তৃতীয় পৰ্ব ॥ ১৯৬৮