Sheikh Mujib continued “We want co-operation and we have told them repeatedly that they should come to the National Assembly where we will be able to discuss the framing of the constitution for five days at a time and hold discussion for another five days. Democracy demands that the voice of the majority should be accepted. But in our case, the minority party has always had the upper hand. I suggested that 15” February be set for the opening of the National Assembly, but the Assembly was called for in the first week of March in accordance with the wishes of the minority party.
“This is nothing but a conspiracy which has been played for long 23 years in this country and is still going on only to exploit the 70 million people of Bengal. It is intended to keep Bengal as the colonial market and we are fighting for justice and fairplay and we shall continue Fighting until we achieve our goal”.
In reply to a question whether he would proclaim unilateral Independence, Sheikh Mujib said “You Wait”. When asked by correspondent whether he was consulted before the postponement of the National Assembly, he said. “No”.
To a question of another correspondent regarding the unarming of the Police force at Rajarbagh Police Lines Sheikh Mujibur Rahman expressed his ignorance about it and requested the Press to publish any information they may have in this respect.
When asked whether he apprehended arrest of his Party members, he said that they were ready, for any consequences. Many times they had courted arrest before. He added, “My people are with me and let us hope for the best and prepare for the worst”.
When asked whether he will oppose Censorship if imposed on the Press Sheikh Mujib replied, “I oppose everything that curbs the freedom of the people”.
He informed the press that members of the Awami League Parliamentary Party renewed their pledge to fight to the end and make any sacrifices to achieve the rights of the people. He categorically declared that any sacrifice was too small for the emancipation of the people of Bangla Desh. He also informed that he would discuss latest developments with Moulana Bhashani, Md. Nurul Amin, Mr. Ataur Rahman Khan. Professor Muzaffar Ahmed and other leaders, as soon as possible.
Replying to a question about the fate of non-Bengalees living in Bengal, the Awami League Chief said, “they are sons of the soil, they should think this soil as their own and they must join with the people here”.
To a question as to what West Pakistan should do Sheikh Mujib said, “they should also rise to the occasion and protest against this conspiracy.”
In course of his 'talk Sheikh Mujibur Rahman stated that Mr. Bhutto had always been acting in the most irresponsible manner. During the Round Table Conference called by Ayub Khan, he declined to attend. Bhutto had also refused to participate in the elections but subsequently agreed to participate. Now he has refused to attend the proceedings of the National Assembly and in all these instances he was given decided preference over the leader of the majority party. Sheikh Shahib stated, “So far as I am concerned, my people have given a verdict on the six-point programme and we shall form the constitution on the basis of Six points and Eleven Points”.
