Sheikh Mujibur Rahman: Dhaka’s De Facto Leader

On 11 March 1971, East Bengal witnessed a decisive consolidation of authority under Sheikh Mujibur Rahman as the non-cooperation movement continued to paralyse Pakistani administration. By this period, the presence of Pakistan’s civil and military administration in East Bengal had all but disappeared. Judges, senior civil servants, and employees of government and semi-government institutions actively abstained from official duties, fully participating in the nationwide non-cooperation movement.

That day, the Secretariat, the Chief Secretary’s residence, and the Chief Justice’s residence, along with all major government and semi-government buildings, prominently displayed the flag of a free Bengal. Across the province, Sheikh Mujibur’s leadership became the guiding force for political, administrative, and social governance, effectively placing him at the helm of Dhaka’s administration.

Significant political and diplomatic interactions took place on the same day. Professor Mozaffar Ahmad, President of the East Bengal branch of the National Awami Party (Wali faction), M. Khurshid, President of the Awami League’s Punjab branch, Pir Saifuddin, envoy of Council Muslim League leader Mumtaz Daultana, and the UN’s Assistant Resident Representative in Dhaka held separate meetings with Sheikh Mujibur at his Dhanmondi residence. Concerns were raised about the Pakistani military’s growing armaments, highlighting the tense situation in East Bengal.

In Tangail, a public assembly at Bindubashini High School witnessed National Awami Party leader Maulana Abdul Hamid Khan Bhasani affirming his support for the independence struggle. He called upon the people to unite under Sheikh Mujibur’s guidance to achieve their goals. Concurrently, Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, Chairman of the People’s Party, sent a message from Karachi urging collective action to protect the nation from destruction. At a press conference, Air Marshal (Retd.) Asghar Khan emphasised that power must immediately be transferred to the majority party, declaring, “Sheikh Mujibur is effectively the government of Dhaka.”

Following the anchoring of a military-laden vessel at Chittagong Port on 10 March, the ‘Shadhin Bangla Sangram Parishad’ warned citizens to remain vigilant. Dhaka University’s Teachers’ Association convened to express support for the liberation movement. Prominent artist Murtaja Basir also withdrew from a government-sponsored exhibition in protest, encouraging fellow artists to do the same.

A summary of the key events of 11 March 1971 is presented below:

The events of this day underscore that, by March 1971, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was the effective authority in Dhaka. His directives were obeyed by government officials, judges, and civil servants alike, while the people rallied in unison towards the ultimate objective of an independent Bangladesh.

Sources: Bangladesh Liberation Struggle Documents, Liberation War Museum.