Second Phase of Non-Cooperation Movement Begins

8 March 1971 – Following Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s declaration of the struggle for independence in his historic 7 March speech, an unprecedented wave of enthusiasm and mobilisation swept across the country among students, youth, and professionals.

Responding to Bangabandhu’s call, black flags were hoisted in neighbourhoods, residential areas, student hostels, and at educational institutions. Even government and private vehicles were adorned with black flags.

From High Court judges to government officials, students, and ordinary citizens, everyone spontaneously participated in the movement. Effectively, East Pakistan came under the leadership and guidance of Bangabandhu, with almost all aspects of daily life aligning with his directives.

On the morning of 8 March, at 8:30 a.m., the historic 7 March speech was broadcast from the Dhaka Radio Centre to the Racecourse Ground. The broadcast was simultaneously relayed through other radio centres across the country.

In a joint statement, Student League President Noore Alam Siddiqui and General Secretary Shahjahan Siraj, along with DUCSU Vice President ASM Abdur Rab and General Secretary Abdul Quddus Makhon, declared:

“The current liberation movement in Bengal is being directed by the Father of the Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. We fully support the programme he announced at the historic public gathering at Racecourse Ground and call upon the people of Bengal to unite and actively participate in the struggle for independence.”

That evening, Awami League General Secretary Tajuddin Ahmad issued a statement explaining Bangabandhu’s 7 March directives. He clarified that banks would remain open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., essential services such as electricity and departmental offices would operate, fertiliser and diesel supplies for power pumps would continue, post office savings banks would be open, and water and gas supplies would remain uninterrupted.

In a separate statement, Tajuddin Ahmad protested the press note issued by the military authorities on 7 March, which claimed 127 killed and 358 injured. He asserted that the figures were grossly understated. Contrary to official claims, firearms were used only against peaceful, unarmed civilians protesting for their rights, and reports attributing police and EPR firing to the protesters were intended to create misunderstanding among Bengalis.

Over 10,000 Bengalis living in the United Kingdom demonstrated in front of the Pakistan High Commission in London, demanding an independent Bangladesh.

The impact of Bangabandhu’s directives was also evident in the cultural sphere. Cinema hall owners voluntarily ceased displaying Pakistan’s flag and playing the national anthem, and complied with instructions to withhold cinema taxes.

Due to political unrest and the increasingly tense situation, 178 citizens from the United Kingdom and then West Germany left Dhaka that day.

Meanwhile, in Islamabad, People’s Party Chairman Zulfikar Ali Bhutto declined to comment to journalists in the National Assembly on 25 March regarding Bangabandhu’s conditions for Awami League participation.

PDP President Nurul Amin, in a statement, urged President Yahya to devise a proper method for transferring power to elected representatives in consultation with the leader of the majority party, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. Similarly, Muslim League leader Khan Asabur expressed support for Bangabandhu’s demand for the immediate transfer of power to the people’s elected representatives and held West Pakistani leaders responsible for recent events.

By Kazi Salma Sultana
Political researcher and analyst