Dawn
6th March 1969
Muhajirs asked to merge identities with others:
Mujib pledges protection of rights, stresses harmony
DACCA, March 5: The Awami League leader, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, today asked the Muhajirs to completely merge their identities with the local people.
He said the people here were aware of the sacrifices made by the Muhajirs in the struggle for Independence.
Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was addressing a large crowd of Muhajirs who had come to place their demands before him at his residence. The Muhajirs, who came to Sheikh Mujib’s house in a procession from Mirpur and Mohammedpur shouted slogans extending their whole-hearted support to his leadership.
Sheikh Mujibur Rahman told the Muhajirs that all those who lived in East Pakistan were east Pakistanis, irrespective or their caste, creed or community and all their rights would be protected.
The Awami League leader called for harmony among people and said that this was the only way through which “we can build up a united movement”.
Sheikh Mujib said there was no difference to him between a man who was born in the Eastern Wing and another who had settled in the Eastern Wing from some other place. All who were living in this Province were now “Bangalee” and they must live together as brethren in harmony.
The Awami League Chief said all oppressed people, whether Bangalee, Baluch, Pathan, Sindh or Punjabi were equal before him. Sheikh Mujib declared that his struggle was directed against oppression, injustice and exploitation and not against any individual or section of people or any region. “Wherever there is torture injustice, exploitation and denial of Rights, I am there to fight these out” he added.
He advised the Muhajirs to learn how to write and speak Bengali and to live with others here in peace, harmony and with brotherly feeling.
The processionists dispersed after profusely garlanding the Awami League Chief.-APP/PPI.
সুত্র: সংবাদপত্রে বঙ্গবন্ধু: পঞ্চম খণ্ড ॥ ষাটের দশক ॥ চতুর্থ পর্ব ॥ ১৯৬৯