পাতা:বাংলাদেশের স্বাধীনতা যুদ্ধ দলিলপত্র (দ্বিতীয় খণ্ড).pdf/৫১৪

এই পাতাটির মুদ্রণ সংশোধন করা হয়েছে, কিন্তু বৈধকরণ করা হয়নি।
বাংলাদেশের স্বাধীনতা যুদ্ধ দলিলপত্রঃ দ্বিতীয় খণ্ড
487

 requirements and demands of the Provinces as well as the vital requirements of the nation as a whole. People of the two regions of Pakistan should have control over their economic resources and development as long as it does not adversely affect the working of a National Government at the Centre. The people of East and West Pakistan are bound together by common historical, cultural and spiritual heritage. There is, therefore, no reason why we should not be able to work out a satisfactory relationship, between the Centre and the Provinces in Pakistan wherein people of both the Wings shall together as equal and honorable partners.

 I would like now to give you the details of the time table to which we should work for change over of power to the elected representatives of the people. First, the provisional legal framework for holding elections should be ready by March 31, 1970. Next, as already announced by the Chief Election commissioner, the Electoral Rolls will be ready by June, 1970. With the completion of the Electoral Rolls, the Election Commission will be engaged in delimiting the various constituencies both for Central and Provincial elections in accordance with the provisions which will be made in the legal framework, As you are aware, delimitation is finalized after hearing the objections if any, from the people. Therefore, some time has to be given to this task. Further, there are climatic difficulties for holding elections both in East and West Pakistan form June 1, to the end of September. I have, therefore, decided to hold general elections in the country on October 5, 1970. The provincial elections will be held after the National Assembly completes its task of constitution making. The Assembly will be required to complete this work within a period of 120 days from its first sitting, I would be happy if they can finalize it even before the expiry of this period. If however, they are unable to complete the task by the end of the stipulated period, the Assembly would stand dissolved and the nation will have to go to polls again. I hope and pray that this does not happen and I would, therefore, urge the future elected representatives to undertake this task with a full sense of responsibility and patriotism.

 As regards the voting procedure in the National Assembly, it is important to appreciate that the Assembly will be deciding upon basic constitutional issues Constitution is a sacred document, and it is an agreement to live together. It cannot be compared to any ordinary law. It is, therefore, essential that the voting procedure to be evolved by the Assembly for itself should be just, and fair to representatives of all regions of Pakistan. After the Assembly has completed its task and the Constitution made by it has been duly authenticated, it will assume the character of Pakistan’s Constitution. The stage would then be set for the formation of the new Government.

 Throughout these activities, Martial Law will remain supreme in order to give support to the programme of peaceful transfer of power to the elected representatives of the people.

 My dear countrymen, I would once again like to stress upon you that we are passing through the most critical stage of our national life. There is need for every single one of us to realize this fact and act in a sober, objective and patriotic manner. Let us all eschew parochial interests and cast aside personal or local considerations. Let each one of us say