SECRET
Lalbagh, Dacca.
Dated the 23rd February. 1961.
No. 3582
TO
- A.Q. ANSARI, ESQ.,
- Secretary to the Govt, of East Pakistan,
- Home Department, Dacca.
SUB J. Observance of Shaheed Day' on 21st February, 1961.
1. As in previous years, all sections of students jointly observed the 'Shaheed Day' this year in different parts of the province. The celebration was on a large scale, as usual, in Dacca, where some of their elders also look part in the symposium etc.
2. A Bengali circular, dated 12th January 1961, issued by the Communist Party. East Pakistan contained a directive to the party workers to raise the following demands during the observance of Shaheed Day' this year:—
(1) Regional Autonomy for East and West Pakistan.
(2) Parliamentary Government.
(3) Bengali as medium of instruction.
(4) 21st February as a holiday.
(5) Completion of Shaheed Minar'.
It also suggested that if united attempts were made to observe the 'Day' by mobilizing the people in spite of the opposition of the Government, it will be a successful 'Resistance Day'.
The District Organizing Committee. Dacca also issued a circular suggesting the following demands to be raised by the students before the Govt.
(1) To declare 21 st February as a public holiday.
(2) To complete the work or 'Shaheed Minar'.
(3) To introduce Bengali as the medium for Higher education and all official work in East Pakistan.
3. It may be mentioned here that at a secret meeting on 1-1-61 the National Awami Party, Narayanganj town decided to observe the 'Day' in a befitting manner with the active co-operation of youths and public and not to leave it to the students alone.
