Maulana Bhasani Endorses Bangabandhu’s Independence Movement

On 9 March 1971, the struggle for Bangladesh’s independence entered a critical phase as the eminent political leader Maulana Abdul Hamid Khan Bhasani publicly declared his steadfast support for Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s call for freedom. Speaking to a vast gathering at Paltan Maidan in Dhaka, Bhasani issued a direct and uncompromising rebuke to Pakistan’s President Yahia Khan, urging formal recognition of East Pakistan’s right to self-determination.

Addressing the crowd with powerful rhetoric, Maulana Bhasani declared, “Yahia Sahib, enough is enough. Prolonging bitterness serves no purpose. La-kum dinukum wa liya din – your religion is yours, mine is mine. Accept the independence of East Bengal.” He warned that if no meaningful concessions were made by 25 March, he would join forces with Sheikh Mujibur Rahman to organise a mass movement reminiscent of the 1952 Language Movement.

Escalating Tensions and Administrative Developments

Amid mounting political unrest, Lieutenant General Tikka Khan was appointed military governor of East Pakistan’s “K” sector late on 7 March and arrived in Dhaka. Despite this appointment, the High Court refused to officiate the swearing-in ceremony for the newly appointed military governor, adhering to Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s directives.

On 9 March, a nationwide strike immobilised government and semi-government offices, the judiciary, and the High Court, following the directives issued by Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

Student Mobilisation

An emergency meeting of the Bangladesh Chhatra League central committee was held at Iqbal Hall canteen of Dhaka University (now Sergeant Zahurul Haque Hall). Presided over by Nure Alam Siddiqui, the committee ratified a proposal adopted earlier on 2 March at a student gathering under Chhatra League and Daksur leadership. This led to the formation of the Swadhin Bangladesh Chhatra Sangram Parishad, officially endorsing the declaration of an independent Bangladesh.

International Reactions

International concerns escalated. UN Secretary-General U Thant authorised the withdrawal of UN staff and their families from East Pakistan if necessary. Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs instructed the evacuation of its nationals, while West Germany dispatched military aircraft to repatriate its citizens.

Curfews and Public Safety Measures

Military authorities imposed an eight-hour curfew in Rajshahi city from 9 p.m., later extending nightly curfews indefinitely. The Awami League criticised the imposition, noting that the army had already returned to barracks, and demanded an immediate suspension of the curfew.

Civilian and Worker Participation

On 9 March morning, Bengali employees of Pakistan International Airlines marched from Tejgaon Airport to Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s residence in Dhanmondi, where they were received by the leader. Nationwide, students, youth, and professional groups expressed heightened enthusiasm following Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s declaration of the independence movement on 8 March. Dhaka Radio broadcast his historic 7 March Racecourse Ground speech at 8:30 a.m., energising the public further.

Consolidation of Student Leadership

At the central committee meeting, the East Pakistan Chhatra League formally adopted the name Chhatra League, replacing the prior designation. A joint statement from the leadership—including President Nure Alam Siddiqui, General Secretary Shahjahan Siraj, Daksur co-vice-president A. S. M. Abdur Rob, and General Secretary Abdul Quddus Makhan—expressed full support for Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s directives and called upon the people of Bengal to unite for the independence movement.

This historic declaration by Maulana Bhasani not only demonstrated the consolidation of political and student leadership but also reinforced the momentum of the liberation struggle, signalling a united front for Bangladesh’s forthcoming independence.

Key Events Timeline: 8–9 March 1971