Bureau of National Reconstruction.
East Pakistan, Dacca
D.O.No. 125-D.B.N.R.
MY DEAR ZAFAR IQBAL.
I am enclosing herewith a report on the observance of 'Shaheed Day'. 'Shaheed Day' has assumed a very great sentimental and emotional importance with the students of East Pakistan. The Communist had always exploited this sentiment for their own purpose by introducing ideas which serve their objectives that are apparently acceptable. This year's celebration of the 'Shaheed Day' was intended by them to be used for the purpose of bringing the students into a clash with the authorities. If they had succeeded in doing so they would have further exploited the situation by calling it the beginning of resistance against the present regime. I consider that they have failed in their objective. The observance of the day was peaceful, disciplined and orderly and this in spite of the fact that there was no obtrusive police arrangement on account of the wise decision of the Government let the students celebrate the day as usual without giving them any unnecessary provocation.
2. It will be noticed from the attached report that though the communist wanted regional autonomy for East and West Pakistan and Parliamentary Government to be included in the demands to be made by the students these topics were not raised by them at any stage.
3. The passion that are roused immediately before the celebration of 21st February die down as quickly thereafter. This has been so this year also. There have been no repercussions of the celebrations of the 21st February.
4. These mischievous elements who egged on the students this year are known and the Government are considering suitable measures that might be taken to deal with these mischievous elements who number only about half-a-dozen....
