বাংলাদেশের স্বাধীনতা যুদ্ধ দলিলপত্র (দ্বিতীয় খণ্ড)/২০
| শিরোনাম | সূত্র | তারিখ |
| সোহরাওয়ার্দীকে গ্রেফতারের আগে পূর্ব পাকিস্তানের রাজনৈতিক অবস্থা সম্পর্কে প্রতিবেদন |
সরকারী | ১৪ ফেব্রুয়ারী, ১৯৬২ |
Situation on the Eve of Mr. Suhrawardy's Arrest.
The political climate in East Pakistan is dominated by a general and universal desire to return to constitutionalism and withdrawal of martial law. The politicians are more concerned with the form of the Constitution which is the subject of keen speculation. The extremist section has presumed that Constitution will not meet the aspiration of the Province, and as such the announcement would provide a powerful platform for agitation.
The average intelligentsia considers the constitution as the instrument for the implementation of the national policy. They are more concerned with the policy and programme in the economic field and the scope which the Constitution will provide for effective participation, rather than the abstract question of its form. Simultaneous announcement of economic policy consistent with the aspirations of the province may go a long way to allay the apprehensions of the average man who are in a receptive mood because of the general desire for return to constitutionalism. It would be an appropriate occasion to give a comprehensive picture of the economic policy, which has so far been announced piecemeal.
The average man, particularly in the mofussil arcas, was satisfied with the speed and extent of economic development that was being done in this province under the present regime. They were confident that the province will continue to progress in the economic field with increasing tempo. The setting up of the Finance Allocation Committee and proposal for decentralization of credit agencies and bifurcation of such institutions as the PIDC had given further strength to this confidence. A general feeling of contentment and confidence was evidenced everywhere particularly in the rural areas. The intellectuals had, however, been debating on the question as to how the disparity in the development between the two wings of Pakistan will be overcome and what precise programme would be undertaken to remove the disparity. Regarding the Constitution, they were expressing views disapproving of the B.Ds as electoral college.
The attitude of the various political parties differed according to their Party requirements. The Muslim Leaguers were generally happy and were anxious to participate in the forthcoming political life in the country.
The Awami Leaguers naturally could not be happy with the progress made since the present regime took over and very often claimed that development work done by the present Government was initiated by them. The ban on political activities had more or less cut off the Awami League from its touch with the people. The party leaders and most of the workers, however, remained loyal to the party and on occasions exchanged notes amongst themselves on political issues. Such contacts were limited to towns and cities concerned. It was only occasionally that such party workers had an occasion to come to Dacca and meet the leaders here.
The party paper Ittefaq' has been subtly trying to create a feeling of resentment against the present regime on the issue of disparity in the economic developments in the two wings.
After the announcement by the President that the Constitution would be declared shortly, the reaction among the different political groups has been somewhat confused as to whether the Constitution should be opposed or whether they should form an alliance and fight the elections. The attitude of the senior and disqualified leaders of the Awami League under EBDO towards the Constitution is one of hostility and noncooperation. They were inclined to boycott the coming general elections. On the other hand, the younger group of leaders in the ranks of the Awami League held that by not participating extensively in the elections to the Basic Democracies, they had committed a mistake and that if they boycott the ensuing general elections they would be finished forever. They held that it is only by participating in the ensuing elections that they would be able to survive as a political party.
During the recent stay of Mr. Suhrawardy in Dacca Messrs Ataur Rahman Khan. Abul Mansur Ahmad, Sk. Mujibur Rahman, Abdul Jabbar Khaddar and a few others frequently visited him and held informal discussions. The Constitution and the coming general elections were reported to have been the topics of their discussions. It is reported that Mr. Suhrawardy was more inclined to support the views of the Ebdoed group. IIc, however, asked the other group to assess their chances in their respective constituencies after which a decision as to whether the Constitution should be opposed or not could be taken. They thus did not even appear to have formulated a clear-cut policy or line of action to be followed after the announcement of the Constitution. In fact, they appeared to have been very much divided amongst themselves.
The Councilors of Basic Democracies have been smarting under the feeling that ex- political workers particularly of the Awami League and National Awami Party, looked down upon them. As a consequence there has been a feeling amongst them that they should think of electing representatives for the future Parliament and Assembly from amongst themselves as far as possible. An analysis of the composition of Basic Democrats shows that out F 40,000 elected Basic Councilors, only 290 have past political records. A rough survey has shown that over 29% are pro-Muslim Leaguers, 22% pro-Awami Leaguers and 26% independent and the rest belong to various other political and communal groups. In view of this it was unlikely that followers of the Awami League would be able to receive a large number of seats in the forthcoming elections.
The Communists in spite of large number of preventive detention had continued to work underground. Their potentialities have considerably declined. Even with their weakened strength they exhibited determination to try to do everything possible to create an agitation against the Constitution on the score of its being undemocratic and 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.
Though no definite information is available the various groups in the Awami League like that of Mujibur Rahman, Ataur Rahman and Manik Miyan, arc bound to unite. The differences mentioned earlier regarding participation in the elections are likely to disappear resulting in unified approach to the issue which might result in a boycott of the Constitution and the coming elections. The Muslim Leaguers, who were inclined of participate in the elections, are likely to find themselves in an embarrassing position of having to contest in elections with their opponents out of the field and being accused of various political offences inimical to the interests of East Pakistan.
Mr. Suhrawardy had lost his political position in East Pakistan on account of his failures as a prime Minister. This arrest has helped in rehabilitating him, however, partially, in the eyes of the people.
The only visible reaction to Mr. Suhrawardy's arrest has been amongst the students of the Dacca University, Dacca Medical College and Jagannath College in the city of Dacca and by students of two institutions in Barisal and Patuakhali. The students of the Dacca Medical College and of the University abstained from attending their classes as a protest on February 1, 1962. There was a rift between the students of the Dacca University 011 the issue. It generally happens that whenever there is a question of strike, students generally abstain from attending their classes for fear of getting into trouble with those supporting strike. In spite of this general attitude, the strike of the University students was a partial success. Some examination which was being held were not interfered with.
The rift amongst the students was quickly patched up. This was because of the peculiar nature of politics in the Dacca University. Rational and sensible attitude often becomes difficult for fear of losing leadership. It was because of this, when Mr. Manzur Qadir went to address the students on 3rd February rowdism was perpetrated by both the sections of the students. Those' who opposed going on strike played a more important and vehement role to retrieve their leadership position in the eyes of students.
Future course of action.
So far the Awami Leaguers have not taken any overt step either to protest against the arrest of Mr. Suhrawardy nor are they known to be planning any step in this connection, except to go ahead with preparations for demonstrations in a big way on the 21st of February and follow up as soon as the Constitution is announced.
The situation amongst the students is the most serious problem that has arisen as the result of Mr. Suhrawardy's arrest. Efforts were made to persuade the students to be more sensible by the Vice-Chancellor and by some student elements as well. This persuasion has failed. It was decided that the University should be closed on account of the Ramzan. Closing of the University caught the agitators by surprise and finding that the opportunity to utilize the students and whip up agitation was slipping away, they organized a protest meeting this morning and led out a procession. The next step to be taken is to pick up student agitators and other leaders who are behind this agitation to deprive it of its leadership.