East Bengal
An unconstitutional govt can never be democratic
The Liberation War of 1971 comes up repeatedly in various ways. That was a time of great hardship. Each of us was in grave danger. Every day, every night, even every moment was filled with terror. We thought about our own safety, at most we were occupied with concerns about our loved ones. We exchanged news, wanted to know what was happening where, listened to the radio, thought about how to help the freedom fighters, while those who were at war were fighting for their very lives. There was work for all of us. Danger pursued us, but we also had dreams. There was a dream ahead. A collective and enormous dream. We hoped we would drive the invaders out, that we would be free, and towards that goal we worked. Everyone wanted to contribute in whatever way they could.
Sheikh Mujib: A visionary of extraordinary foresight
Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s personality was exceptional. Those close to him, and even his adversaries on a personal level, were drawn to him. Some senior officers of the Pakistani military were also inclined towards his stance. This is why, before the genocide began, Major General Sahabzada Yaqub Khan, serving as the head of the army in East Bengal, resigned; and SM Hasan of the Navy was replaced by Tikka Khan as governor and military ruler. Tikka Khan had earned the title ‘Butcher of Balochistan’, a title he rightly deserved, and he came to East Bengal in the same capacity – as a ‘butcher’.