Dawn
23rd February 1969
Shahabuddin meets Mujib, Bhashani
DACCA, Feb 22: Khwaja Shahabuddin, Central Information Minister, this evening had a 50-minute talk with the National Awami League chief Maulana Abdul Hamid Khan Bhashani.
After the meeting Khwaja Shahabuddin told waiting newsmen that he had come to Maulana Bhashai, to persuade and request him to attend the Round Table Conference to be held in Rawalpindi. He said that he also discussed the President’s invitation to him in this connection.
Replying to newsmen Khwaja Sahib said that he would like to meet Shaikh Mujibur Rahman again before leading for Rawalpindi.
Earlier, last night Khwaja Shahabuddin, within hours of his Arrival in Dacca from Rawalpindi had talks with Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in the Dacca Cantonment.
Maulana Bhashani told newsmen in the presence of Khwaja Shahabuddin that he (Maulana) supported the 11-Point Programme of the students and unless these were fulfilled, what is use of the negotiation.
Maulana Bhashani said that his demand was release of all political prisoners and repeal of Safety Act, which should be met by the President.
After his meeting with Maulana Bhashani Khwaja Shahabuddin said, tonight that he had impressed upon the NAP chief that in view of the President’s broadcast it is evident that he has no personal objectives.
Khwaja Sahib, in a statement said he called on the Maulana to request him to join the talks for which he had already been invited by the President. The President, the Minister said, had invited the leaders of all political parties to sit together and find solutions to the national problems through mutual discussions.
সুত্র: সংবাদপত্রে বঙ্গবন্ধু: পঞ্চম খণ্ড ॥ ষাটের দশক ॥ চতুর্থ পর্ব ॥ ১৯৬৯