Nation Awaits Formation of Government

On 13 March 1971, the mass non-cooperation movement in East Pakistan continued to intensify under the leadership of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. Across towns and cities, the day was marked by a succession of rallies, marches, and public meetings. As the days progressed, the unity among the Bengali population seeking autonomy and self-determination grew stronger. Within a week of the movement’s escalation, much of the region had come to a near standstill as government offices, businesses, and institutions struggled to operate amid widespread civil resistance.

Support for the movement extended beyond political activists. Members of the East Pakistan Civil Service Association publicly declared their solidarity and pledged to contribute one day’s salary to assist the organisation and continuation of the campaign. Meanwhile, journalists also joined the movement, as members of the East Pakistan Journalists’ Union took to the streets in demonstrations backing the struggle for political rights.

The cultural sphere likewise became a platform for national expression. On 12 March 1971, prominent artists gathered at the Fine Arts Building of Dhaka University following an appeal by renowned painter Kamrul Hasan. During the meeting, participants resolved to recognise the water lily as the national flower. At the same time, artists including Murtaja Bashir and Qayyum Chowdhury helped establish a cultural resistance platform to mobilise artists in support of the political movement.

Political defiance was also expressed through symbolic gestures. National Assembly member Zahiruddin announced that he would renounce the honorary title previously conferred upon him by the Pakistani state. Similarly, radio news reader Kabeeruddin declared a boycott of Radio Pakistan after restrictions were imposed on the coverage of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s statements.

On the same day, Pakistan’s military administration issued Martial Law Order No. 115, instructing civilian employees of the defence department to return to work by 10:00 a.m. on 15 March. The order warned that failure to comply would lead to dismissal and prosecution before a military court, with penalties of up to ten years’ imprisonment.

In response, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman criticised the directive in a statement, arguing that such measures were provocative at a time when the people of Bengal were demanding the withdrawal of martial law. He insisted that intimidation would not deter the public from continuing the movement.

Meanwhile, veteran political leader Maulana Abdul Hamid Khan Bhashani addressed a public meeting in Bhairab, declaring that East Bengal was effectively functioning as an independent territory and that its people were now awaiting the formation of a full-fledged government.

Political developments also unfolded at the national level. Khan Abdul Wali Khan and Ghaus Bakhsh Bizenjo arrived in Dhaka from Karachi to discuss the crisis. Speaking at the airport, Wali Khan expressed support for Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s four-point framework and stated his willingness to hold open-minded discussions aimed at resolving the constitutional deadlock.

The wave of protest extended to cultural and intellectual figures. Eminent artist Zainul Abedin and former National Assembly member Abdul Hakim announced that they were relinquishing titles and awards previously granted by the Pakistani government.

Calls for constitutional resolution also emerged from political leaders. Former National Assembly member Afaz Uddin Fakir urged President Yahya Khan to transfer power through a formal letter of authority to the elected representatives. He further demanded that command of the eastern defence forces be handed to a Bengali general and that the operational control of all battalions of the Bengal Regiment be entrusted to Bengali officers.

In Chittagong, a women’s gathering led by Begum Umratul Fazal called upon citizens to boycott luxury goods and wear black badges until complete national liberation was achieved. Later that afternoon, the Chittagong Resistance Committee held a large public meeting at Laldighi Maidan, urging government officials to continue the non-cooperation campaign and advising residents to prepare for any potential developments.

Meanwhile, rumours circulated that foreign diplomats might be evacuated from the region. On that day, a special aircraft carried away employees of the United Nations and the West German mission along with their families. In total, 265 foreign nationals from Italy, France, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada departed East Pakistan.

The following table summarises some of the key developments of 13 March 1971:

By mid-March 1971, the non-cooperation movement had evolved into a powerful expression of political unity. With administrative authority increasingly paralysed and public support firmly behind the demand for democratic governance, many observers believed the region stood on the threshold of a decisive transformation.