Flags of Freedom Rise Across Bengal

On 10 March 1971, the momentum of the Bengali independence movement intensified across East Pakistan as political defiance, mass mobilisation, and symbolic acts of resistance spread throughout the region. The day was marked by widespread observance of the non-cooperation movement led by Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, alongside demonstrations, political gatherings, and the public display of the flag of an independent Bengal in homes and institutions across the country.

Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Addresses Foreign Journalists

In the morning, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman met a group of foreign journalists at his residence in Dhaka. During the meeting, he emphasised that the seventy million people of Bengal had become deeply conscious of their political rights and were determined to secure them at any cost.

Rahman stated that the Bengali people had already sacrificed much blood in their struggle for justice. He expressed hope that the time had come to end such sacrifices by achieving their rightful political and national aspirations. His remarks reflected the growing determination among Bengalis to secure autonomy and recognition following the political crisis triggered by the delayed transfer of power after the general elections of 1970.

Continuation of the Non-Cooperation Movement

Across East Pakistan, government and semi-government employees continued their participation in the non-cooperation movement for the tenth consecutive day, abstaining from work in response to Rahman’s directives. As a result, much of the administrative machinery functioned according to the guidance of the Awami League leadership rather than directives from the central government in West Pakistan.

A striking feature of the day was the widespread display of the flag bearing the map of Bengal. The banner of an independent Bengal was seen flying from homes, business establishments, educational institutions, and public buildings.

Reports indicated that such flags appeared even at several prominent sites in Dhaka, symbolising the growing assertion of Bengali identity and autonomy. The Pakistani national flag remained largely confined to military cantonments, highlighting the widening political divide between the central authorities and the people of East Pakistan.

Political Demonstrations and Cultural Protests

In the afternoon, the National Awami Party faction led by Abdul Wali Khan organised a street rally in the New Market area of Dhaka, demanding a free and exploitation-free Bengal. The meeting was chaired by Professor Muzaffar Ahmed, a prominent political leader and activist.

At the same time, writers and artists under the banner of the Liberation Struggle Writers and Artists Committee staged protest marches in the capital, demonstrating the involvement of cultural figures in the political movement. Their participation reflected the broader mobilisation of intellectuals, students, and professionals in support of Bengali self-determination.

Student Activism at Dhaka University

Earlier in the day, a meeting organised by the central student leadership took place at Sergeant Zahurul Haq Hall within the Dhaka University campus. A joint statement signed by student leaders called upon Bengali members of the armed forces, the paramilitary border force, and the police to refrain from cooperating with what they described as the colonial administration ruling from West Pakistan.

This appeal highlighted the increasing efforts by student organisations to expand support for the autonomy movement among security personnel and government institutions.

International Solidarity in New York

Support for the Bengali cause was also visible abroad. Bengali students residing in New York staged a demonstration in front of the United Nations headquarters. During the protest, they demanded international intervention to stop the killing of unarmed Bengali civilians.

The students submitted a memorandum to United Nations Secretary-General U Thant, urging the organisation to address the deteriorating political and humanitarian situation in East Pakistan.

Political Reactions in Karachi

Meanwhile, political developments continued in Karachi. Speaking to journalists, Abdul Wali Khan announced his intention to travel to Dhaka on 13 March to hold discussions with Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. He emphasised the importance of drafting a constitution to facilitate the transfer of power to the elected majority party.

In a separate statement, former Air Marshal Asghar Khan warned that the situation in the country was changing rapidly and that urgent steps were necessary to prevent the potential division of the state.

A De Facto Parallel Authority

Observers in Dhaka noted that Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was effectively exercising authority through his directives, which were being widely followed by civil servants and institutions across the region. This situation created what many described as a parallel administrative structure.

Political analysts argued that the crisis could only be resolved through the transfer of power to the leader of the majority party in the national assembly. Without such a step, they warned, the political confrontation between the central government and the Bengali population would likely intensify further.

Key Events of 10 March 1971

The events of 10 March 1971 illustrated how the independence movement had evolved into a broad national mobilisation. Political leaders, students, civil servants, cultural figures, and expatriate communities were increasingly united in their demand for political rights and self-determination.

Source: Liberation War Museum