Dawn
23rd February 1969
Dacca celebrates Mujib’s release
DACCA, Feb 22: Dacca, the provincial metropolis, which witnessed series of disturbances till the other day, today reverberated with welcome slogans to celebrate the release of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
As the eagerly awaited news of the release of Sheikh Saheb was broadcast from Radio Pakistan at 2 P. M., it sent a wave of excitement all over the city. It was followed by a mass rejoicing, merriment and thanks to the Almighty. All roads led to the residence of Sheikh Saheb in Dhanmandi residential area.
With bouquets and garlands in their hands, hundreds and thousands of people, young and old alike, made a bee line to Dhanmandi area to greet the freed leader. People, of all ages and from all strate of society, came out on the streets, many dancing, raising welcome slogans to join in the historic and unprecedented welcome Crackers were exploded to celebrate the occasion.
A couple of hours after his release, Sheikh Mujib was taken out in a procession from his residence in an open jeep followed by a surging mass of people who had come from all over the city and even from suburban areas to have a glimpse of their leader and join in the triumphant procession. Garlands were showered by the cheering and jubilant multitude.
As the procession moved at a snail’s pace from his residence along Mirpur Highway, Sheikh Saheb was also lustily cheered by women from their house tops along the two sides of the road. All approach roads to the Mirpur Highway were packed with people and traffic had to be diverted.
Many processionists and spectators danced, sang and hugged each other with joy.
Sheikh Mujib waved back to the people.
Meanwhile, a big crowd of people had gathered in front of Shaheed Minar where Sheikh Mujib was supposed to come on way to the city. The crowd composed mostly of students was tumultuous.
An equally big crowd had thronged the corner of the Race Course ground where three great leaders of Pakistan, Sher-e- Bangla A.K. Fazlul Huq, Mr. H. S. Suhrawardy and Khwaja Nazimuddin are buried.
Other released persons of the Case were also taken round the city in open trucks. Lt Com. Moazzem Hossain was profusely garlanded by the people.
Local papers brought out special editions on the release of Sheikh Saheb and the withdrawal of the Case.
Black flags which were fluttering on top of private and public buildings and shops and vehicles were removed. Black arm bands which were used by the people also disappeared.
Sheikh Saheb returned to his residence around 5 P.M, after visiting Azimpur Graveyard, Shaheed Minar, Dacca Medical College Hospital, Mazars of three great leaders Sher-e-Bangla, Mr. Suhrawardy and Khwaja Nazimuddin and the house of Sergeant Zahurul Huq, who died in firing at cantonment while in detention. In the Medical College Hospital, he talked to persons who were injured during the last few days.-APP.
সুত্র: সংবাদপত্রে বঙ্গবন্ধু: পঞ্চম খণ্ড ॥ ষাটের দশক ॥ চতুর্থ পর্ব ॥ ১৯৬৯