East Bengal will not remain with West Pakistan, they say that it is not worthwhile spending a farthing in East Pakistan; it will be thrown in the gutters. I actually quote it here: “Money sent to East Bengal will be thrown into gutters because East Bengal is not going to stay with us.”
Malik Mohammad Firoz Khan Noon: Who said it?
Mr. Ataur Rahman Khan: I have heard it from the highest authority and it is not a matter of document. I do not know whether I shall be able to prove it here in this House.
The Honourable Mr. M.R. Kayani (N.W.F.P.: Muslim): You cannot accuse us.
Mr. Ataur Rahman Khan: I am not accusing you. It will be very difficult for me to present that personality here in this House to give evidence on Oath.
Sir, I have had the opportunity of mixing with the Industrial Community, the Commercial Community, going lo bazaars and other places also telling them to start business in East Pakistan also, to open one branch there, but they say:
Bat to theek hai magar Mashriqi Pakistan agar alaihda ho jae to?
(Its a good suggestion; but what if East Pakistan secede?)
I said, “Who says?” They say: Log kahte hain “Mashriqi Pakistan alaihdh ho jae ga”
(People say: “East Pakistan will go out of Pakistan.)
Sir, how is this that this sort of thing has come into their ears.
At this stage Mian Abdul Bari rose in his seat and the Honorable Member noticed it.
Mr. Ataur Rahman (addressing Mian Abdul Bari): While you were speaking I gave you a patient hearing. I have given you the highest verdict that you were supposed to be the wisest man in the country. I have not said a single word against you. Why are you becoming so much nervous?
Mian Abdul Bari: I include myself in you.
Rahman Khan: If you include yourself in us, then fall in line with us.
Sir, that is the attitude here. We have got to think seriously and very sincerely about our position; we have got to revise our whole attitude because there is a complete change of outlook here and we have got to change our outlook completely because we began with certain assurances given by the leaders of the Central Government, by the leaders of the Muslim League here in this House. We are now not going to rely on your mere assurances. We don't believe in the promises anymore because you have completely shaken the sentiments out of mind. We must have now everything done here and nothing more. As I told you, five demands of East Pakistan must be conceded to, must be ensured, not by mere mouth or word, but it must be ensured in the Bill that you have brought here, namely, the West Pakistan Merger Bill...
