dictatorial. Their latest move was to organize a united front to oppose the proposed Constitution but they had so far failed to draw other political parties to its point of view.
The students of the Dacca University had been the handy weapon for the political parties in the past to embarrass the Government in power. The Communists were unable to secure a stable foothold amongst the office-bearers of the various Unions in the Dacca University in the recent elections. The faction of the Awami League led by Mr. Mujibur Rahman, however, succeeded in securing some influence in the students unions. It was expected that this group of students would be made political use of by them on the issue of Constitution.
Situation anticipated before Mr. Suhrawardy's arrest.
In view of the general feeling of the people and the attitude of the various political parties as outlined in the paragraphs above there were apprehensions that observance of 21st February by the students would be utilized by the Communists and the Awami League to deprecate the Constitution and if the students could be sufficiently roused to try to build up an agitation on the issue of the Constitution. As against this, there was on the whole a keenness to have Constitution so that the Martial Law could be withdrawn and normalcy restored in this country. Even the politicians who had been harping on parliamentary form of government did not take any decision to oppose the Constitution. They thought that the Constitution could be amended by the future Parliament to suit their political aspirations. The people in general were, therefore, anxiously expecting the announcement of the Constitution. The postponement of the announcement of the Constitution caused certain amount of misgivings but did not produce any visible resentment. There was thus a receptive climate for the Constitution which is going to be announced shortly.
In order to meet the probable use of the students for creating an agitation on the issue of the Constitution, it was proposed that the Government should consider announcing a decision to construct the ‘Shaheed Minar’ and make arrangements for constructive and befitting observance of the 2Jst February. It was hoped that such a measure would have made it difficult for the students being utilized for subversive purposes. It was proposed not to resort to arrests unless absolutely necessary.
Situation after Mr. Suhrawardy's arrest.
The sudden arrest of Mr. H. S. Suhrawardy has caused surprise to many and shock in the minds of the Awami Leaguers. The students in general and the A. L. in particular have now become suspicious and apprehend that an unacceptable Constitution is going to be thrust on East Pakistan and the arrest of Mr. Suhrawardy is a prelude to the arrest of more political leaders with a view to suppressing opposition to the Constitution in any form. The industrial labor and the general mass of the people are unaffected so far. Participation of very large crowds at various functions in connection with the East Pakistan Week and lack of any protest even by students in the rest of the province (except in Barisal district) will tend to show that the influence of Mr. Suhrawardy in this province had considerably declined.
