What happened on Thursday, March 11, 1971
The movement for freedom persisted all across the country, the people as intent on independence as ever.
In a statement, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman strongly protested the massive army preparations in East Pakistan.
At a public meeting held at Bindubasini High School ground in Tangail, NAP chief Maulana Abdul Hamid Khan Bhasani expressed full support for the freedom struggle declared by Sheikh Mujib and said, “Sheikh Mujibur Rahman is the leader of seven crore Bengalis; follow his instructions. Let’s all work together to achieve this goal. There should be no conflict between the political parties at the moment. The people are now united to assert their rights.”
Tajuddin Ahmed said in a statement that the people’s non-cooperation movement had reached its peak. In order to make the movement successful, all those engaged in economic activities had to abide by strict discipline. He also gave some instructions in this regard.
K Wolf, Deputy Resident Representative of the UNDP in Dhaka, met with Sheikh Mujib. Sheikh Mujib expressed his concern over the armaments of the Pakistani military junta.
In a telegram sent to Shiekh Mujibur Rahman, Zulfiqur Ali Bhutto expressed that his ‘heart bleeds’ for the grieving families in Bengal, adding that in order to carry out the responsibilities bestowed upon them both to preserve security and peace in Pakistan to the best of his ability, he was even prepared to meet with Mujib for a conference in Dhaka.
At a news conference in Karachi, Asghar Khan said, “There are only a few days left to defend Pakistan and if the troops fire another shot in Dhaka, it will be the end of Pakistan.”
At a meeting of the Dhaka University Teachers’ Association, an appeal was made to the world to support the liberation movement.
Teachers of Dhaka and Jahangirnagar Universities decided to donate one day’s salary to the relief fund of the Awami League to help victims who participated in the movement.
In protest of the mass killings, painter Murtaza Bashir refused to attend an exhibition by the Pakistani government. He urged the country’s other artists to refrain from joining as well.
The normal supply chain of army supplies and necessities were disrupted by the people. An army convoy in Sylhet was stopped while carrying. Similar incidents took place in Jessore.
3 prisoners were shot dead by police while fleeing from Comilla jail. On the other hand, 2 prisoners were shot dead by police while 24 prisoners escaped from Barisal Jail.
On 10th March a ship with arms from West Pakistan anchored at Chittagong seaport. Protesting against this, four student leaders of ‘Swadhin Bangla Sangram Parishad’ called upon the people to be vigilant.
The second class Bengali employees of the civil service declared their solidarity with the non-cooperation movement.
Translated by Masuma Begum
Editorial contribution by Arghya Raihan
Researched, compiled & Edited by Sagar Lohani
Gratitude to Christina Rozario
Bangalianaa/SL
