পাতা:বাংলাদেশের স্বাধীনতা যুদ্ধ দলিলপত্র (দ্বিতীয় খণ্ড).pdf/১৬৫

এই পাতাটির মুদ্রণ সংশোধন করা হয়েছে, কিন্তু বৈধকরণ করা হয়নি।
বাংলাদেশের স্বাধীনতা যুদ্ধ দলিলপত্রঃ দ্বিতীয় খণ্ড
138
শিরোনাম সূত্র তারিখ
সোহরাওয়ার্দীকে গ্রেফতারের আগে পূর্ব পাকিস্তানের
রাজনৈতিক অবস্থা সম্পর্কে প্রতিবেদন
সরকারী ১৪ ফেব্রুয়ারী,
১৯৬২

Situation on the Eve of Mr. Suhrawardy's Arrest.

 The political climate in East Pakistan is dominated by a general and universal desire to return to constitutionalism and withdrawal of martial law. The politicians are more concerned with the form of the Constitution which is the subject of keen speculation. The extremist section has presumed that Constitution will not meet the aspiration of the Province, and as such the announcement would provide a powerful platform for agitation.

 The average intelligentsia considers the constitution as the instrument for the implementation of the national policy. They are more concerned with the policy and programme in the economic field and the scope which the Constitution will provide for effective participation, rather than the abstract question of its form. Simultaneous announcement of economic policy consistent with the aspirations of the province may go a long way to allay the apprehensions of the average man who are in a receptive mood because of the general desire for return to constitutionalism. It would be an appropriate occasion to give a comprehensive picture of the economic policy, which has so far been announced piecemeal.

 The average man, particularly in the mofussil arcas, was satisfied with the speed and extent of economic development that was being done in this province under the present regime. They were confident that the province will continue to progress in the economic field with increasing tempo. The setting up of the Finance Allocation Committee and proposal for decentralization of credit agencies and bifurcation of such institutions as the PIDC had given further strength to this confidence. A general feeling of contentment and confidence was evidenced everywhere particularly in the rural areas. The intellectuals had, however, been debating on the question as to how the disparity in the development between the two wings of Pakistan will be overcome and what precise programme would be undertaken to remove the disparity. Regarding the Constitution, they were expressing views disapproving of the B.Ds as electoral college.

 The attitude of the various political parties differed according to their Party requirements. The Muslim Leaguers were generally happy and were anxious to participate in the forthcoming political life in the country.

 The Awami Leaguers naturally could not be happy with the progress made since the present regime took over and very often claimed that development work done by the present Government was initiated by them. The ban on political activities had more or less cut off the Awami League from its touch with the people. The party leaders and most of the workers, however, remained loyal to the party and on occasions exchanged notes amongst themselves on political issues. Such contacts were limited to towns and cities