Left Pledges support for Sheikh Mujibur
From Paul Martin
Dacca, March 9
Maulana Abdul Bhasani, leader of East Pakistan radical leftists. today promised to support Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in his struggle against the military leadership of Pakistan. However, Maulana Bhashani, who wields powerful influence over Bengali militants, gave a warning that the hour of compromise had passed and that Pakistan could no longer remain a united country.
Speaking at a rally of more than 50,000 people in the center of Dacca. Maulana Bhasani, leader of the National Awami Party, said that Bengalis might resort to violent methods to achieve their aims. “I do not believe in non-violence, he said, “I told Gandhi as much. It is absurd.”
The public appearance of Maulana Bhashani aged 88, soon after Shaikh Mujibur leader of the Awami league had outlined his demand to President Yahya Khan, fears that the occasion would be used to provoke a new oppression in the country.
However, the fact that he clearly backed the Shaikh policy is an indication that the left, whose support the Shaikh considers of great importance has decided to call to its left with him.
For this is that Shakih Mujibur decided at the last moment before making his speech on Sunday to include in his demands the withdrawal of martial law, imposed on the country after the resume of General Yahya came into power.
He urged Bengalis to form an action committee in every village in preparation for any future showdown with the Army.
He said that complete penance for East Bengal from Pakistan had now become inevitable.
Dacca, March 9 President Yahya Khan will fly to East Pakistan tomorrow apparently to establish a dialogue with Shaikh Mujibur Rahman. The visit was announced on Daca radio today as more foreigners were evacuated from East Pakistan.
Reference: The Times : 10 March, 1971