Understanding the Historic Six-Point Movement
Abid Bahar
Ref: M. Waheeduzzaman Manik, " The Historic Six-Point Movement And Its Impact On Bangladesh's Struggle For Freedom And Independence The Historic Six-Point Movement And Its Impact On Bangladesh's Struggle For Freedom And Independence" NFB, June 09 2008 14:46:57 PM BDT
In 1957 Bhasani was attacked by the AL goons led by Mujib for Bhasani saying "Assalamu Alikum" to the Pakistanis. Bhasani when passing by the Stadium, stones were dropped over him. Bhasani dashed to safety.
The 6 point demand also came immediately after Shuhurwardhy's mysterios death in a Bairut hotel. The 6 point demand came after Lal Bahadur Shastri's last word in Taskant; "divide Pakistan." The 6 point demand by Mujib was the codification of Bhasani and Sher-E- Bangla's demand for autonomy based on Lahore Resolution. Why suddenly there was this dramatic shift in Mujib? Whatever the reason, it is true, as M. Waheeduzzaman (Manik) said "The Historic Six-Point Movement And Its Impact On Bangladesh's Struggle For Freedom And Independence."
But Waheeduzzaman (Manik) seriously misled us in "Point 3. He quotes from the document, "Two separate but freely convertible currencies for two wings [of Pakistan] should be introduced;" Then Waheeduzzaman adds his interpretation "or if this is not feasible, there should be one currency for the whole country, but effective constitutional provisions should be introduced to stop the flight of capital from East to West Pakistan. Furthermore, a separate Banking Reserve should be established and separate fiscal and monetary policy to be adopted for East Pakistan."
In the above, Waheeduzzaman didn't know that his addition meaning flexibility which wasn't there. On March 3rd,1971 there was a public meeting by the AL legislative members at the Race course ground where by touching the Quran Mujib conducted the swering ceremony that not a bit of six points will be changed. That day, the West Pakistanis hardened their position and decided to play with Mujib, and Mujib continued negotiation to save his version of Pakistan to become the Prime Minister, but also not declaring independence, indirectly helped and initiated the genocide by the Pakistanis. Personal ly, it is great that Bangladesh became an independent country. But who were the people pulling the rope for Mujib to swear on the Quran? We don't know! Why Mujib surrendered? We don't know!
Whearas Waheeduzzaman an academician had to add"or if this is not feasible, there should be one currency for the whole country." He made a historical document look a propaganda piece.
|