Chintito
Last Words Before Independence
Shahabuddin Ahmed’s paintingof Bangabandhu. “If they (Pakistan Army) think they can suppress people's struggle by bullet and force, they simply live in a fool's paradise. No power on earth can suppress the people when they are prepared to shed blood. The roads and lanes of Bangla Desh were stained with the blood of martyrs for the cause of the people. We wanted to resolve the problem peacefully but they want to rule us by force, with the help of weapons. If necessary we shall give the last drop of our blood to see that our posterity lived happily as a free citizen in a free country.” (Morning News, Karachi & Dhaka, 20 March 1971) “This slogan (Joy Bangla) I would utter at the time of death also along with Kalima.” (The Dawn, Karachi, 20 March 1971) “…there must not be any relaxation in the movement until the demands of 75 million people of Bangla Desh are fulfilled. …movement should be peaceful and disciplined so that the new history which the people of Bangla Desh have now created in the world was not allowed to be stained. “We will not allow (them) to keep Bangladesh as a colony and a market (of Pakistan) anymore.” (Morning News, Karachi & Dhaka, 22 March 1971) “Ours is the right cause and hence victory is ours. …the present movement is the struggle for the total emancipation for the seven crore Bangalees. This struggle will continue until the final goal is achieved. …the people of Bangla Desh could no more be silenced by bullets, guns and bayonets because they are united today.” (The Dawn, Karachi, 23 March 1971) “Every house in Bangla Desh should be turned into a strong fortress of resistance.” (Morning News, Karachi & Dhaka, 23 March 1971) “Let us hope for the best and remain prepared for the worst.” (Morning News, Karachi & Dhaka, 25 March 1971)
Aminul Islam, Genocide, 1972.
“Our demands are just and clear and they have to be accepted… We would not bow our heads to any force. We will free the people of Bangla Desh… I do not know whether I shall live to give the order for the intensified struggle… I will never allow the 75 million Bangalees to remain slaves… In case I cannot give you orders, carry on the struggle with greater determination…” (The Dawn, Karachi, 25 March 1971)
“…no power on earth could now frustrate the just and legitimate demands of the 75 million people...If anyone showed his (red) eyes to suppress the people's rights, we would not tolerate and would crush it.” (The Morning News, Karachi & Dhaka, 26 March 1971)
Zainul Abedin, Freedom Fighter.
“…such atrocities (heavy Pakistan army firing upon civilian population in Rangpur, Saidpur and Joydevpur) and killing of unarmed people shall not go unchallenged. I am confident that the brave sons of Bangla Desh are ready to face all eventualities in order to attain their goal, that is, the emancipation of the people of Bangla Desh.” (The Pakistan Times, Lahore, 26 March 1971)
“…if a political solution is desired (by President Yahya Khan) ...it was for them to take matters immediately to a conclusion, and to delay this would expose the country and its people to grave hazards.
“I have repeatedly reaffirmed that all those who live in Bangladesh, regardless of their place of origin or the language they speak, are our people… and (should) take full part in the struggle for emancipation of Bangla Desh. Their life, property and honour are our sacred trust.” (The Dawn, Karachi, 26 March 1971)
“…I may be killed, but an independent Bangla Desh would be built on my grave.” (on 25 March 1971, to a West Pakistani visitor, as quoted in The Guardian, Manchester, 5 June 1971)
“If I go into hiding they will burn the whole of Dacca to find me.” (Report by Simon Dring, The Daily Telegraph, London, 30 March 1971)
“Pakistan armed forces suddenly attacked the East Pakistan Rifles base at Peelkhana and Rajarbagh police station in Dacca at zero hours in March 26, killing a number of unarmed people. Fierce fighting is going on with East Pakistan Rifles at Dacca.
“People are fighting gallantly with the enemy (Pakistan) for the cause of freedom of Bangla Desh. Every section of the people of Bangla Desh are asked to resist the enemy forces at any cost in every corner of Bangla Desh. May Allah bless you and help in your struggle for freedom from the enemy. Jai Bangla.” (The Statesman, Delhi, 27 March 1971)
— Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman
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