675 বাংলাদেশের স্বাধীনতা যুদ্ধ দলিলপত্রঃ দ্বিতীয় খন্ড ঢাকায় জনসভায় ক্ষমতা হস্তান্তরের আহবান জানিয়ে শেখ দ্য ডন ৪ মার্চ, ১৯৭১ মুজিব WITHDRAW FORCES AND TRANSFER POWER Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's speech in a public meeting at Dacca on March 3, 1971. Dacca. March 3: Awami League Chief Sheikh Mujibur Rahman today urged the authorities to withdraw the forces from the city and hand over the power to the elected representatives of the people. The authorities must realize that the people wanted self-rule and if they were resisted by force they would not hesitate to sacrifice their life, the Awami League Chief said while addressing a massive public meeting at Paitan Maidun here this afternoon. He also issued directives to the people of Bangladesh not to pay any taxes until and unless power was transferred to the people's representatives. The massive public meeting was organized by the Students' League as a part of the province-wide hartal call given by the Chief of the Awami League. "By obstructing the constitutional method the authorities have virtually compelled the people to shed their innocent blood for realizing their legal rights. This is absolutely intolerable. I appeal to the authorities concerned to immediately stop this wrong course by withdrawing Martial Law and transferring power to the elected representatives." The massive public meeting was presided over by the Students' League Chief, Mr. Nurc Alam Siddiqi. The meeting was also addressed, among others, by the General Secretary of Jatiya Sramik League Mr. Abdul Mannan, the General Secretary of the Students League, Mr. Shahjahan Siraj, and the General Secretary of the Dacca University Central Students. Union (DUCSU) Mr. Abdul Quddus Makhan. In an emotion choaked voice the Sheikh in his 30-minute speech called upon the people to continue their struggle in a peaceful and organized manner. He urged the people to be alert against agent-provocateurs and to maintain complete peace and discipline, otherwise the purpose of the movement would be spoiled. He called upon the people from all walks of life to rise to the occasion and protect the life and property of everyone living in this part of the country, whether Hindu or Muslim. Bengali or non-Bengali.
