Dawn
20th February 1969
Mujib to be persuaded to attend RTC
FROM MAHBUBUL ALAM
RAWALPINDI, Feb. 19: The decision of the Central Executive of the Democratic Action committee to nominate its convener Nawabzada Nasrullah Khan to hold talks with president Ayub Khan as its sole representative virtually amounts to tactfully avoiding the Round Table Conference which was to begin today. It is obvious that the Nawabzada, although he may have the necessary mandate of the DAC, cannot speak on behalf of all the eight component parties on such vital matters as constitutional questions.
Although the decision to nominate the Nawabzada as the sole representative of the DAC was “unanimous”, as claimed by himself it marks a radical departure from its original position. It had completed such formalities as nominating the representatives of each parties for the Conference.
What has forced the DAC to reverse its earlier stand is the question of withdrawal of the Agartala case and Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s release coupled with the overall political situation including the incidents in Karachi and Dacca.
It is understood the decision to send Nawabzada Nasrullah Khan to meet the president is intended to facilitate a further discussion on such vital matters as the withdrawal of the Agartala Conspiracy Case and the release of the Six-point Awami League leader Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
The DAC took the decision of sending the Nawabzada instead of all the members going to the conference table in view of the feeling that its own unity and future would be in jeopardy unless the Agartala case issue was settled. Matters became more complicated for the DAC in view also of the decisions of Maulana Bhashani, Mr Bhutto and Air Marshal Asghar Khan not to join the round table. All these leaders have put forward their own conditions for participation in the dialogue, but they are all one on the question of Sheikh Mujib’s release.
Although the DAC leaders were tight-lipped, it is learnt from informed sources that after the lengthy debate of over nine hours behind closed doors, the consensus of the meeting was that instead of all the members going to the round table, the Convener should go to the President and convey to him the decision of the DAC on the Agartala case. It is understood that certain DAC members wanted the Nawabzada to impress upon the President the need for making a statement on adult franchise and parliamentary system of Government.
While certain West Wing members, particularly those belonging to the Council Muslim League and the Wali Khan NAP, were reportedly hesitant to go to the conference table with Mr. Bhutto and Air Marshal Asghar Khan staying away. East Pakistani members were also faced with a similar problem in respect of Sheikh Mujib and Maulana Bhashani. It is evident that the DAC considered all aspects of the question of participation in the dialogue under the present circumstances and naturally the decision to wait was considered more wise from the point of view of their own political strategy.
The Six-point Awami League made it clear to the other component parties that without their leader Sheikh Mujibur Rahman they were unable to participate in the talks. The Wali Khan group of NAP reportedly voiced the same opinion.
The Six-point Awami League is reported to have, however, assured that even if the other DAC parties go to the conference table it would not withdraw from the DAC but abstain from the conference table.
সুত্র: সংবাদপত্রে বঙ্গবন্ধু: পঞ্চম খণ্ড ॥ ষাটের দশক ॥ চতুর্থ পর্ব ॥ ১৯৬৯