পাতা:বাংলাদেশের স্বাধীনতা যুদ্ধ দলিলপত্র (ত্রয়োদশ খণ্ড).pdf/৭১৭

এই পাতাটির মুদ্রণ সংশোধন করা প্রয়োজন।

689 ংলাদেশের স্বাধীনতা যুদ্ধ দলিলপত্রঃ ত্রয়োদশ খন্ড antipathy to Islam, that it is "interference in the 'internal affairs' of Pakistan", and that it is aimed at disintegrating a 'strong and united Muslim Homeland' etc., should be counteracted effectively from a fully democratic and secular angle. I hope different democratic and progressive parties and groups which proudly associate themselves with the cause of Bangladesh would give serious thought to this aspect and do the needful. We, very often, hear of the slogan of political settlement of the Issue of Bangladesh. I am afraid that quarters which seriously project this slogan either do not realize that now there is no other political settlement except to concede a free and independent Bangladesh, or indulge in such delightfully vague talk so as not to offend the militarist rulers of West Pakistan. The Awami League secured massive electoral mandate for its six-point programme and it was this that was sought to be trampled underfoot by the dictators of West Pakistan. The demand for equality, autonomy and democracy is met with genocide by the West Pakistan military regime. It is anybody's guess, what sort of political settlement there can be now, short of independent Bangladesh, and how else conditions are created for the return of the eight million refugees and other political emigrants? This struggle for Bangladesh is bound to be very stubborn and probably prolonged. The parties, class and mass organizations, enlightened individuals and Governments which throw their weight in genuine defense of Bangladesh and its courageous freedom fighters must be prepared for such a sustained and prolonged Struggle. I, once again, assure you that our Party will strive its utmost to faithfully discharge its commitments on this issue, and thus fulfill its cause as well as national duty in meeting this challenge, no matter how our familiar opponents malign us. Raj Narain India Whether we are socialists or not, we want the release of Mujibur Rahman. History, geography, entity, culture, and above all popular support-these are the most important things' that will determine the issue. Please have a look at West Pakistan and also at Bangladesh and you will see that from the point of view of history, geography, language, script, culture, economic affairs, the two are entirely different. Above all, the main thing is when democratic elections took place in Bangladesh, 167 seats were secured by the Awami League out of 169 and out of the total votes polled, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's party secured 85%. After that there can be no question of discussion whether recognition is an issue or not. Recognition will have to be given and we must accept the popular verdict and recognize Bangladesh. If we do not do so then our declarations of Socialism, democracy, anti-colonialism have no meaning at all. M. L. Sondhi India I feel is to be of the essence at this stage in the plenary session to have made the basis on which the massive popular support exists in India for Bangladesh. To my mind as