What happened on Sunday, March 14, 1971
The non-cooperation movement for the establishment of Independent Bangladesh moved forward with continued spontaneous participation.
Despite having provided an immediate response to the issuance of Military Rule No. 115 the day before, today, Sheikh Mujib said in a statement, “Bangladesh’s desire for liberation cannot be stifled. We can not be defeated, because we are each ready to die if necessary… I urge the people to be ready for any sacrifice and to prepare all possible means to resist any force that would deny us.”
At a public meeting in Karachi, Zulfikar Ali Bhutto said that power had to be handed over to the majority parties in the East and the West before a constitutional agreement could be reached about the transfer of power.
Sheikh Mujibur Rahman held a meeting with NAP (Wali) Chief Wali Khan in Dhaka. A few Awami League leaders including Syed Nazrul Islam and A.H.M. Kamruzzaman were present during the closed-door discussion at Mujib’s residence at Dhanmondi 32 for about an hour and a half. Talking to the waiting journalists after the meeting, Sheikh Mujib said, “Our movement is to earn the right to live as independent citizens in an independent country.”
On the same day, Tajuddin Ahmed issued 35 directives concerning the running of the administration on behalf of the Awami League.
In a statement, Awami League leader Captain Mansur Ali demanded an immediate inquiry into the March 11 change of direction of the cargo ship ‘Vitez Horizon’ from the destination port of Chittagong to the port of Karachi.
Shilpacharya Zainul Abedin announced the renunciation of the title ‘Helal-e-Imtiaz’ given to him by the government of Pakistan.
The Students Action Committee (ছাত্র সংগ্রাম পরিষদ) set up several checkposts in the city to curb the smuggling problems of the province.
The Students Union (ছাত্র ইউনিয়ন) took out a torch procession again on this day.
National League (জাতীয় লীগ) leader Ataur Rahman Khan called on Sheikh Mujibur Rahman to form an interim government.
Bengali & Enlish Newspapers published joint editorials titled, “Time is running out”.
Chittagong Action Committee (চট্টগ্রাম সংগ্রাম পরিষদ) marched all over the city. This procession of thousands of people and their aspirations of freedom was contained within the slogan of ‘Triumphant Bangla’ (জয়বাংলা) that resounded all over the city of Chittagong.
In the afternoon, Biharis (nonbengalis mostly migrated from india after 1947) and Jamat e Islami activists attacked the procession in the ‘Urdu Street’ of Chawkbazar. Seven Bengalis were seriously injured. Two died on the way to Chittagong Medical College.
That night, enraged freedom-aspiring Bengalis attacked the Urdu street. The Bengalis clashed massively with the Biharis (nonbengalis mostly migrated from india after 1947) and Jamat e Islami activists.
Translated by Masuma Begum
Editorial contribution by Arghya Raihan
Researched, compiled & Edited by Sagar Lohani
Gratitude to Christina Rozario
Bangalianaa/SL
