Pakistan Observer
5th February 1967
Paltan speech case
Charges framed against Mujib
(By Our Court Correspondent)
Charges were drawn inside Dacca Central Jail on Saturday against Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the President of East Pakistan Awami League in the case for alleged prejudicial speech on March 20, 1966 at Paltan Maidan.
Examination of witnesses in the case was over earlier inside the same jail. Mr. Afsar-ud-Din Ahmed, Magistrate 1st Class, Dacca, was holding the trial.
The accused was prosecuted under Rule 47 of the Defence of Pakistan Rules. His speech was allegedly prejudicial as under :
It intended or was likely to bring into hatred or to excite disaffection towards the Government established by law.
To promote feelings of enmity and hatred between the people of East and West Pakistan.
To influence the conduct or attitude of the public or of any section of the public in a manner likely to be prejudicial to the defence of Pakistan.
The charges were based on alleged excerpts of his speech. A few of the excerpts were as under:
For eighteen years the Government has looted everything.
None but Allah saved East Pakistan, although the Central Government had all the power.
Gold is priced at Rs. 150 in East Pakistan but Rs. 120 in West Pakistan.
The Central administration, the capital assets are all in the hands of West Pakistanis. You are all converted into a “bazar’. We do not to be treated as “bazar’. We want to be the citizens of Pakistan.
Although you have cocentrated all the powers, you have failed to stand by us in time of our distress.
My brethren! Be prepared for sacrifice, for struggle!
Asked if he was guilty of the charges, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman pleaded innocence.
Sheikh Mujibur Rahman also said he had done or said nothing which was intended to bring into hatred the Government established by law but criticised its measures and policies with a view to bringing about real and genuine consolidation of the people of the two Wings and for the proper and adequate arrangement for the defence of East Pakistan.
He said his speech had not been noted in full. In many places it was incorrectly noted seeking to give a totally wrong impression.
The court will hear argument on February 25.
সূত্র: সংবাদপত্রে বঙ্গবন্ধু তৃতীয় খণ্ড: ষাটের দশক॥ দ্বিতীয় পর্ব