Indira-Tajuddin meeting unveils grand plan for Liberation War

After the commencement of horrifying mass killings in Dhaka, Tajuddin Ahmad arrived at the Indian border of Chuadanga late on March 30, navigating through a long and treacherous route. Accompanying him at the time was the then Awami League leader, Barrister Amir-ul Islam. Upon reaching the Indian border area that evening, they had a discussion with the Regional Chief of the Border Security Force (BSF), DIG Golak Mazumdar. Following initial discussions, they traveled to Kolkata, where they met with BSF Chief F. Rustamji.

Rustamji was a highly trusted and respected figure, particularly by Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. Subsequently, several crucial meetings took place at the Assam House in Kolkata between Tajuddin Ahmad, Barrister Amir-ul Islam, and BSF officials. Information obtained from these meetings was communicated to the Delhi headquarters by responsible officials. Subsequently, on the night of April 1st, Amir-ul Islam was taken to Delhi along with Tajuddin Ahmad. Golak Mazumdar and S. Chatterjee were among the Indian officials accompanying them on the flight.

They departed from Dum Dum Airport on a Russian cargo plane bound for Delhi. However, the details of this journey were kept highly confidential. In Delhi, they were kept in a discreet location. They stayed in a colony of the Indian Defense Department, primarily functioning as a guesthouse for the BSF.

During this time, K. F. Rustamji and Golak Mazumdar in Delhi were working on the meeting between Indira Gandhi and Tajuddin Ahmad. Meanwhile, Indian intelligence agency "RAW" was attempting to verify the identities of Tajuddin Ahmad and Barrister Amir-ul Islam, as after the political framework was established, Tajuddin Ahmad became a crucial figure post-Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. Thus, it was necessary to confirm the identity of the person arriving in Delhi. Barrister Amir-ul Islam mentioned in an interview that in order to confirm their identities, "RAW" in Delhi enlisted the help of Dr. Rehman Sobhan and Anisur Rahman, who were present in Delhi at that time.

Two significant and decisive meetings between the Indian Prime Minister and Tajuddin Ahmad, as the General Editor of Awami League, were held on April 3rd and 4th, 1971, at the Safdarjang Road residence. Barrister Amir-ul Islam, Tajuddin's associate, was not present at the meetings. However, on the Indian side, F. Rustamji, the BSF Chief, Indira Gandhi's Principal Secretary P.N. Haksar, Defense Minister Jagjivan Ram, and an officer from "RAW" attended. The continuous discussions during these meetings revealed the urgency and importance of the situation. The first meeting's continuity led to another meeting with Tajuddin Ahmad on April 4.

The highly significant and unofficial meeting held in the Indian Prime Minister's study room lacked any formal records from the Indian side. Later, information about this urgent meeting was obtained from Mayedul Hassan's book "Muldhara '71" and also from "Muktijuddher Smriti" by Barrister Amir-ul Islam, and "Bangladesh War: Report from Ground Zero" by Indian journalist Manash Ghosh.

From the information provided in these three books and the interview of Barrister Amir-ul Islam, it is understood that during this unofficial and confidential meeting, the Indian Prime Minister ensured proper respect for Tajuddin Ahmad. At the beginning of the meeting, Indira Gandhi expressed her desire to know about the final moments of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

At one point during the discussion, Tajuddin Ahmad informed Indira Gandhi about the formation of the government, expressing his desire for weapons and training for Bangladesh's liberation struggle. He also sought shelter and food for refugees. It is notable that although Tajuddin Ahmad claimed the formation of a government, no such government had been formed at that time. Despite Tajuddin Ahmad's optimistic statements, many Awami League leaders, especially the youth leaders under Sheikh Monir's leadership, did not accept them. This created complexities within the Awami League internally.

At one point in the discussion, although Tajuddin Ahmad mentioned the formation of the government to Indira Gandhi, the Indian Prime Minister remarked that neither Indians nor the international community were particularly aware of this government. Therefore, it was necessary for this government to receive international recognition and support, and it was imperative for this government to declare its legitimacy before the international media. During the discussion on the first day, Tajuddin Ahmad received a very hopeful and encouraging response from Indira Gandhi. According to information from journalist Manash Ghosh, during the first day's meeting, Indira Gandhi listened attentively to Tajuddin's words for almost 30 minutes with utmost attention, where he highlighted the political struggle of Bengalis and the massacre by Pakistani forces on the night of March 25, emphasizing the legitimacy of independent Bangladesh.

In the discussion, Indira Gandhi showed a significant receptive attitude towards two claims made by Tajuddin Ahmad. However, she repeatedly emphasized the need for a constitutional government to garner assistance from both domestic and foreign states. Immediately after the meeting, Indira Gandhi provided appropriate instructions to the Indian border security forces, intelligence agencies, and military. Consequently, significant events unfolded swiftly in support of Bangladesh's liberation struggle. Bangladesh's border was unilaterally opened with India on April 7. The declaration and translation of the Provisional Government's proclamation and evidence were completed on April 8. At the same time, the statement regarding the formation of the government by Tajuddin Ahmad was recorded. The announcement or declaration of the government formation was broadcasted via radio on April 10, 1971. This announcement was reiterated on April 11 through 'Akashbani' (All India Radio).

Subsequently, Tajuddin Ahmad, with the support of retired army officer Nagen Singh, flew in a Dakota aircraft to search for Awami League leaders who were hiding in the border region. The objective was to attend the oath-taking ceremony of the Provisional Government. Although initially planned for Chuadanga, the ceremony eventually took place at Ambagan in Meherpur. The journey began towards the Mujibnagar Government. Despite facing various challenges from political opponents, the path of this government was not easy. However, with Indira Gandhi's unwavering support, the government overcame many obstacles. Many believe that Indira Gandhi's immense trust in Tajuddin Ahmad was established during the two consecutive meetings held on April 3rd and 4th, which became a crucial event in the history of Bangladesh's liberation struggle.

Author:Assistant Professor, Department of Mass Communication Writers and Journalism, Jagannath University.