A unique announcement in 1108 words in 18 minutes and 31 seconds

Dr. Syed Anwar Husain is a foremost historian in the country. He has contributed numerous research-oriented books on significant topics such as the independence movement of Bangladesh, the Liberation War, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, state governance, democratic rights, global politics, and more. Currently, he serves as an additional professor of International History in the Department of History at Dhaka University. He directly listened to Bangabandhu's historic March 7th speech at TSC. He shared his experience of that day in an interview with Views Bangladesh. He was interviewed by Rahat Minhaz, Assistant Professor of the Department of Mass Communication and Journalism at Jagannath University.

Rahat Minhaz: I would like to hear about your experiences regarding the events of March 1971 and Bangabandhu's speech on March 7th.
Syed Anwar Husain: Since March 1st, 1971, there was a buzz among us when Bangabandhu declared that he would give further instructions on March 7th. We assumed that those instructions would be the proclamation of complete independence. On March 2nd, when the flag of Bangladesh was hoisted at the Arts Building of Dhaka University, that notion became even more entrenched. At that moment, we realized that this flag was not flown without the knowledge of Bangabandhu. Such a realization was prevalent among us.

Rahat Minhaz: How was the day of March 7th?
Syed Anwar Husain: From the morning of March 7th, there was significant excitement among the people. The excitement was, if independence were declared, what would be the subsequent situation? Such concerns were prevalent among us. However, we saw that Bangabandhu provided guidance in his speech in such a way that I can say, he killed the snake, but did not break the stick.
The Pakistanis were prepared that if Bangabandhu declared independence, they would unleash a rain of bombs and bullets from jets. Cannons were positioned on the roof of the Dhaka High Court. However, Bangabandhu adeptly maneuvered through this unexpected situation, conveying his message with utmost diplomatic finesse. The Pakistanis had breathed a sigh of relief, assuming that independence had not been declared. But Bangabandhu, in essence, stated, "This struggle is our struggle for liberation, this time's struggle is the struggle for independence."

Minhaz: What was the mood of the people who came to listen to the speech on March 7th?
Syed Anwar Husain: Those of us who were present to hear this perpetual speech were filled with excitement. We had prepared ourselves to listen to quite a lengthy discourse. In short, the speech ended. Later, as I was reflecting on the speech, I realized that what needed to be heard, I had indeed heard. Bangabandhu didn't leave anything unsaid. It's true, right from the beginning of the speech, with the aim of resolving the political crisis of the Pakistani ruling elite, he had laid out four conditions. For example, one: withdrawal of martial law, two: withdrawal of military forces to barracks, three: formation of a judicial inquiry committee in the case of those who have been killed, four: returning power to the elected representatives.

Rahat Minhaz: There were mentions of various preparations in the speech if demands were not met, weren't there?
Syed Anwar Husain: I believe Bangabandhu knew very well that the Pakistanis would not accept any of these conditions. Therefore, in this context, he directed the Bengalis on what to do in the second part of his speech. When he said, "When we have given blood, we will give more blood; I will liberate the people of Bengal, Insha Allah."
He didn't explicitly say anything, but leaving no room for doubt, it would be difficult to prove that he didn't declare independence. In summary, it was a very skillful speech.

Rahat Minhaz: Currently, we don't have the complete recording of the speech in various records. However, it is known to be a speech of 18-19 minutes. Some claim the speech was 23 minutes long. I would like to know your evaluation regarding the extent of the speech.
Syed Anwar Husain: On that day, Bangabandhu delivered the speech alone. There was no other speaker. According to my calculations, he spoke for 18 minutes and 31 seconds. I have calculated it. I am a student of history. I understood the importance of this speech. I knew it was a very significant speech. I went there knowing this. Because the whole world was looking towards him. As a student of history, it is not wrong for me to understand, the significant speech will be history someday, and so it has happened. The speech was 1108 words. Some may add some, while others may subtract some, but no, it was 1108 words.

Rahat Minhaz: The speech was not allowed to be broadcast on Pakistan Radio. However, the next day, Yahya Khan was compelled to allow its broadcast on the radio. The newspaper "Ittefaq" reported this, and the news also appeared in many newspapers and magazines. I want to know from you, how the news of Bangabandhu's speech came to the media, can you remember?
Syed Anwar Husain: Ittefaq has played the best role in the media. As far as I remember, Ittefa was given a diplomatic title. Bangabandhu called for liberation. But freedom is not mentioned. And in the Pakistan Observer, 'Sheikh Mujib Speaks for Liberation of the People', such words were written. By invoking the term "liberation," the focus on independence has been overshadowed.

Rahat Minahaz: Let me elaborate a bit on the role of the radio during that struggle.
Syed Anwar Husain: All the radio employees went on strike because Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's speech was not allowed to be broadcast. They clandestinely recorded the speech from the field. On that day, they had arranged for the immediate broadcast of the speech. However, it was abruptly shut down at the last moment. Ashrafuzzaman Khan recorded the speech. Radio officials went on strike. The next morning, the speech was broadcast on the radio. AK Khandkar listened to it on the radio. Upon listening, he wondered where Bangabandhu said "Joy Pakistan." However, Bangabandhu had uttered "Joy Pakistan" during the oath-taking ceremony of MPs on January 3, 1971, in Paltan, for some reasonable cause.

Rahat Minhaz: How did Bangabandhu's speech on March 7th resonate with you as a young teacher and a freedom-loving young Bengali?
Syed Anwar Husain: I was seated at the Dhaka University Teacher-Student Center, (TSC) with my friend. We were waiting to listen to the speech. I didn't have the courage to go inside, fearing that something might happen. At first, it seemed like Bangabandhu did not mention independence. But later, when I returned home and discussed with my friend, I realized that I had heard everything I wanted to hear. After that, there was no more Pakistan. I saw the flag raised on March 2nd. Now that the talk of liberation has been mentioned, what else remains?
Firstly, Bangabandhu was the leader of the elected majority party. If he had directly declared independence, it would have been seen as separatism. The incident in Biafra, Nigeria was on his mind. He couldn't do that.
Secondly, if he had declared independence then, world-opinion would have turned against the Bengalis. Bengalis would have been portrayed as rebels, separatists. And it would have resulted in a unilateral declaration of independence in the language of international law.

He was aware that declaring independence would lead to an attack by Pakistanis. He was briefed on everything. Despite the immense pressure, he delivered a speech that seemed to navigate the situation effectively. A direct declaration of independence was never possible. It would have resulted in adverse consequences. So, I reckon, he survived the extreme test of leadership that day.