The Awami League chief was of the view that by removing the “sources of doubt, distrust and discrimination”, this scheme would ensure a strong Pakistan. Within this constitutional frame work, he believed it would be possible to bring about a “social revolution through the democratic process and to create a socialist economic order free from exploitation.”
Spelling out his party's economic programme, the Awami League Chief said it was imperative to place key areas of the economy, including banking and insurance under public ownership through nationalization.
“In the new order, workers should share in the equity capital and management of industrial enterprise” he said.
Sheikh Mujibur Rahman said the private sector had also its own sphere and must make its full contribution to the economy but added that monopolies and cartels “must be totally eliminated.”
In this connection he also pleaded for extensive support and encouragement to small scale and cottage industries, nationalization of jute and cotton trade, improvement of cash crop qualities and a fair and stable price to the growers.
End of Zamindari
About the agricultural sectors, the Awami League Chief said the jagirdari zamindari and sardari systems in West Pakistan must be abolished and ceiling imposed on land holdings with land above such ceilings and Government 'khas' land redistributed to landless cultivators.
To modernize agriculture, he said the tillers should be induced to group their holdings under multipurpose co-operatives.
Sheikh Mujib said his party would abolish land revenue for holdings up to 25 bighas, and write off all arrears in respect of such holdings, adding; ultimately, “we aim to abolish the present system of land revenue.”
He cited the vital areas forming part of the infrastructure of the economy which, he said must be accorded the highest priority-flood control, power and transport and communications,
Among the measures suggested by him were: implementation of a comprehensive flood control plan on emergency basis, measures to prevent water logging and salinity in West Pakistan, massive expansion in power generation and distribution, bridges over the rivers Jamuna, Buriganga, Sitalakhya, Kamafulh in East Pakistan and on the river Indus in Sind in the Punjab, and development of seaports and inland river ports and roads and railways.
Education, Housing
Stressing the need for greater investment in education, he said at least four per cent of the gross national product should be committed to this sector and salaries of college and school teachers must be substantially increased, “illiteracy must be eradicated by adoption of extra-ordinary methods” he observed.
