Six-Point Demand was ‘Magna Carta’ for Independence

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Tuesday said the Six-Point Demand raised by Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was the "Magna Carta" of Bangalees as it had prepared the people for independence of the country.

"The Six-Point Demand prepared the people fully for Independence and propelled them to the War of Liberation. Actually, it (Six-Point) was the "Magna Carta", through which people of the country had prepared themselves for Independence," she said.

The premier was addressing a discussion marking the Six-Point Day organized by Bangladesh Awami League at its central office in the city's 23 Bangabandhu Avenue.

She chaired the event, joining virtually from her official residence Ganabhaban.

Sheikh Hasina, also President of the ruling Awami League (AL), said the Six-Point later turned into one-point and Bangladesh attained Independence.

She said, "It was achieved through our blood, Manu Miah's blood, and in the letters of the blood of the Six-Point." Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman had firm confidence which actually came from his courage, honesty, belief and foresight, she said, adding: "That is why we have attained independence."

Mentioning that Bangabandhu himself formulated the Six-Point Demand, she said ex-mayor Mohammad Hanif, the then personal assistant of Bangabandhu during his service life in Alfa Insurance, had written it using typewriting machine in both Bangla and English as Bangabandhu by his own verbally telling him to compose it.

AL General Secretary Obaidul Quader, MP delivered the introductory address at the function.

Publicity and Publication Secretary Dr. Abdus Sobhan Golap, MP moderated the discussion from Ganabhaban end.

At the outset of the event, one minute silence was observed to pay tribute to the martyrs of six-point and other movements as well as deceased in Sitakunda fire.

The Prime Minister said Bangabandhu had to face strong opposition, when he went to present the Six-Point in a conference, by the then West Pakistani politicians and some Bangalis (East Pakistani). Yet he published some points to the media.

Later he (Bangabandhu) again revealed it (Six-Point) partly before the media at the airport after returning from the West Pakistan and then published it with full elaboration at a press conference after a day, she said, adding "It will not be found in the world that a demand becomes so popular within a short duration."

She continued that the Awami League had taken massive initiative to disseminate it (Six-Point) across the country through leaflets, banners and posters.

Sheikh Hasina went on saying that Bangabandhu traveled to each area of the country (19 districts and sub-districts) within 32 days and addressed 35 rallies as well as organized councils of different units of Awami League where those were due.

In 1961-62, Bangabandhu also formed "nucleus" (committee) by Bangladesh Chhatra League across the country to disseminate the message of independence, she said.

The PM said the Pakistani government started to file cases against Bangabandhu wherever he delivered speeches in favor of the Six-Point. Eight cases were filed against him but he didn't stop rather continued his meeting by taking bail one after another, she added.

She said later Bangabandhu was arrested, and other leaders were also arrested whoever took the charge of acting president and general secretary of the party.

Sheikh Hasina said that her mother Bangamata Begum Fazilatun Nesa Mujib played an active role at that time and organized Awami League leaders and activists, especially the student and labour leaders, for movements escaping the vigilance of Pakistani intelligence.

She added that labourers from Adamjee and Narayanganj joined the movement and 11 persons including Manu Miah died when police opened fire to stop a procession in the city's Tejgaon area.

She said "Actually, the support to Six-Point was written through the letter of blood."

The Awami League President said when the movement was going on, another conspiracy was hatched, and a small group of bigwig leaders of Awami League emerged with the "Eight-Point" formula to bypass the Six-Point.

"A meeting was held at our house and heated debate took place whether it would be Six-Point or Eight-Point, but my mother was rigid on the Six-Point and told them 'No changes of Six-Point," she said, adding "Actually a few bigwigs were in favor of eight point formula but all other leaders were in support of Six-Point."

It was very hard to face that conspiracy but "My mother had taken bold steps to foil it" she added.