Dhaka, Bangladesh: Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has described the Six-Point Demand raised by Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman as the “Magna Carta” of the Bengali people, stating that it was the foundation that prepared the nation for independence.
“The Six-Point Demand fully prepared the people for independence and propelled them towards the War of Liberation. In essence, it was the ‘Magna Carta’ through which the people of this country prepared themselves for freedom,” the Prime Minister stated during a discussion organised by the Bangladesh Awami League at its central office on 23 Bangabandhu Avenue.
The event, held to commemorate Six-Point Day, was chaired by Sheikh Hasina, who joined virtually from her official residence, Ganabhaban. Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader, MP, delivered the keynote speech, while Dr Abdus Sobhan Golap, MP, moderated the discussion from the Ganabhaban end. A one-minute silence was observed at the start of the event to pay tribute to the martyrs of the Six-Point movement and the victims of the recent Sitakunda fire tragedy.
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Historical Significance of the Six-Point Demand
Sheikh Hasina emphasised that the Six-Point Demand was the first step towards independence, which eventually transformed into a one-point demand for complete freedom.
“It was achieved through our blood, Manu Miah’s blood, and the sacrifices made for the Six-Point,” she said. She credited Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s unwavering confidence, courage, honesty, and foresight for achieving independence.
Bangabandhu personally formulated the Six-Point Demand. The Prime Minister recalled that Mohammad Hanif, the former mayor of Dhaka and Bangabandhu’s assistant during his tenure at Alfa Insurance, typed the document in both Bengali and English under Bangabandhu’s verbal instructions.
| Six-Point Demand (1966): Key Provisions |
|---|
| 1. Full control over taxation and revenue collection for East Pakistan. |
| 2. Independent trade and commerce policies for East Pakistan. |
| 3. Full authority over monetary and fiscal policies. |
| 4. Control over economic affairs, including foreign trade and aid. |
| 5. Separate armed forces and paramilitary forces for East Pakistan. |
| 6. Control over foreign exchange and foreign trade earnings. |
Challenges and Resistance
Sheikh Hasina recounted the resistance faced by Bangabandhu from West Pakistani politicians and some Bengali leaders while presenting the Six-Point Demand. Despite facing opposition, he courageously revealed portions of the demand to the media and later elaborated on it at a press conference.
“There is no other instance in the world where a demand gained such immense popularity in such a short time,” she noted.
The Awami League took massive initiatives to disseminate the Six-Point Demand across the country using leaflets, banners, and posters. Bangabandhu himself travelled across 19 districts and sub-districts within 32 days, addressing 35 rallies and reorganising Awami League units.
In response, the Pakistani government filed eight cases against Bangabandhu for advocating the Six-Point Demand. “Yet, he did not stop. He continued his meetings, securing bail each time,” she said.
Eventually, Bangabandhu was arrested, along with other Awami League leaders. Sheikh Hasina highlighted the role of her mother, Bangamata Begum Fazilatun Nesa Mujib, in keeping the movement alive. She mobilised Awami League leaders, students, and labour activists, ensuring the movement did not lose momentum.
The Movement Gains Momentum
The Prime Minister recalled that workers from Adamjee and Narayanganj played a crucial role in the movement. Eleven protesters, including Manu Miah, were killed when police opened fire on a procession in Tejgaon.
As the movement progressed, some Awami League leaders attempted to introduce an alternative “Eight-Point Formula” to dilute the Six-Point Demand. However, Bangamata Fazilatun Nesa Mujib firmly opposed any modifications.
“It was very difficult to resist such conspiracies, but my mother took bold steps to prevent them,” Sheikh Hasina remarked.
Subsequently, the Bangladesh Chhatra League formed the “Chhatra Sangram Parishad” and declared an Eleven-Point Demand, incorporating the Six-Point, which intensified student protests across the country.
Bangabandhu’s Imprisonment and the Round Table Talks
During the mass upsurge, President Ayub Khan called a “Round Table Conference” and sent an aircraft to bring Awami League leaders to West Pakistan. However, Bangabandhu, who was detained at Cantonment Thana, was urged by party leaders to attend on parole.
Sheikh Hasina recalled that her mother strongly opposed this, insisting that Bangabandhu should only attend after being released unconditionally.
“I was sent to convey this message to my father at the prison. When I reached there, I saw senior Awami League leaders, including Dr Kamal Hossain and Barrister Moudud Ahmed, trying to persuade him to accept parole. However, my mother’s stance was firm: ‘He will return alive only after the case is withdrawn’,” she recounted.
Bangabandhu heeded his wife’s advice and refused parole, reinforcing his leadership and the integrity of the movement.
Lessons for the Present
Addressing Awami League leaders and activists, Sheikh Hasina urged them to reflect on past conspiracies within the party, drawing parallels with political challenges in 2007.
“If we look back at history, we can understand the internal betrayals and external threats that we still face today,” she concluded.
The Six-Point Demand remains a pivotal moment in Bangladesh’s history, symbolising the nation’s journey towards self-determination and ultimately, independence.