On 6 March 1971, Dhaka witnessed continued civil unrest as the sixth consecutive day of nationwide hartal brought thousands of citizens onto the streets, demanding political change and accountability. Following the hartal, banks and select private offices that had not yet disbursed salaries were instructed to open from 2:30 pm to 4:30 pm to ensure payment to employees, as part of an effort to manage the city’s growing tensions.
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Presidential Broadcast and Its Fallout
Earlier that day, President Yahya Khan addressed the nation via radio, announcing the convening of the National Assembly on 25 March. In his speech, he asserted:
“Whatever may happen, as long as the Pakistan Army remains under my command, and I am the President of Pakistan, I will ensure the complete and undivided unity of Pakistan.”
The broadcast, perceived by many as a direct attempt to reinforce central authority, prompted an emergency meeting at the residence of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, where members of the Awami League’s central and provincial working committees convened. The closed-door session, lasting several hours, reviewed the nation’s latest political developments and deliberated on strategies in response to the presidential address.
Public Protests and Reactions
Across Dhaka and Narayanganj, protest processions emerged, signalling widespread discontent with the government’s stance. In Rawalpindi, People’s Party chairman Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto welcomed President Yahya’s speech, emphasising his party’s preference to negotiate a constitutional framework prior to the National Assembly’s session on 25 March.
Meanwhile, Air Marshal Nur Khan, speaking from the Lahore Council, acknowledged Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s legitimate claim to govern and urged the immediate removal of any barriers preventing a lawful transfer of power. His remarks expressed concern over the president’s attempt to attribute worsening political conditions to Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
In Peshawar, Pakistan Muslim League leader Abdul Qayyum Khan also endorsed the 25 March assembly call, describing Yahya Khan’s decision as appropriate. Other regional political leaders, including Nawabzada Nasrullah Khan (PDP) and Mian Mumtaz Daulatana (Muslim League), similarly expressed support.
Controversial Appointment and Civil Response
President Yahya dismissed Sahabzada Yakub Ali Khan and appointed Lieutenant General Tikka Khan as Governor of East Pakistan. Tikka Khan’s notorious reputation sparked outrage in East Pakistan; Dhaka High Court Chief Justice B.A. Siddiqui refused to administer his oath, signalling judicial disapproval of the appointment.
Student Demands and Rising Violence
Leaders of Chhatra League and Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) issued a statement demanding that Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s historic speech on 7 March at Racecourse Ground be broadcast live through all radio stations nationwide, underscoring the public’s demand for unmediated access to his address.
On the same day, Khulna witnessed the army opening fire, resulting in 18 deaths and 64 injuries. In Chittagong, following the formation of a peace committee for Bengali-Bihari relations on 4 March, clashes erupted as Biharis, with assistance from Pakistani forces, looted the Kaibalydham Temple, targeting local Hindus and priests.
Violence escalated further, spreading to Railway Colony, Halishahar, Agrabad, and New Market, where confrontations between Bengali civilians and Bihari-Muslim League and Islamic Student Union members intensified. Conflicts later spread to Anderkilla, Firingi Bazar, Achchhoganj, and Chawk Bazar, reflecting the rapidly deteriorating law and order situation.
Historical Context
These events, occurring just days before Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s 7 March speech, highlight the fragile political climate in East Pakistan and the growing public support for Bengali autonomy. They also underscore the volatility caused by central government actions and the role of student organisations in mobilising civil resistance.
Sources: Documents from the Bangladesh Liberation War, Liberation War Museum Archives