DACCA: Sheikh Mujibur Rahman came home today [Jan 10], was engulfed in one of the hugest and most emotional demonstrations the world has ever seen, and told the people of “Bangla Desh” that “All links with Pakistan are snapped for good.”

… Mujibur Rahman told possibly one million or more at a rally at the Race Course from where 10 months ago he had given the call for struggle, of his talks with Pakistan President Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto just before his release last Saturday, from over nine months of captivity in West Pakistan. “Mr Bhutto wanted me to maintain some kind of links with Pakistan when he met me in Rawalpindi,” Mujib said. “I told him I cannot say anything now. In fact, I am not sure where I am. Let me tell Mr. Bhutto now that all links with Pakistan are snapped for good.” The Sheikh warned Mr. Bhutto against any “conspiracies with the help of big Powers to enslave us again.

“We will never allow that to happen. I am now on the soil of my beloved Bangla Desh and I will keep its freedom to the last drop of my blood,” he said. “I have no animus against the people of West Pakistan,” … “I wish them well. I wish them happiness. Let them be free in their own country. And let us be free in our country.” …

Published in Dawn, January 11th, 2022