March 20, 1971: No force can stop Bangalees

The fourth meeting between Pakistani president Yahya Khan and Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman had begun, but under intense military security.

Bangabandhu was joined by his colleagues -- Syed Nazrul Islam, Tajuddin Ahmed, Khondokar Moshtaque Ahmed, M Mansur Ali and Kamal Hossain.

The meeting began with a heated debate where Bangabandhu brought up the military attack on civilians in Joydebpur. Yahya claimed that it was the Bangalees' fault the attack took place, because they had blocked the movement of troops.

In his response, Bangabandhu suggested that, in such a volatile time, the army must stay in their barracks.

Yahya then changed the topic and said he wanted a solution to the problem, ignoring Bangabandhu's suggestion and tone. He also asked to invite People's Party leader, ZA Bhutto, to Dhaka.

But Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was adamant about not wanting to negotiate with Bhutto.

While the meetings took place, Bangladeshis, hungry for freedom, continued to bring out processions in the capital.

Bangabandhu didn't fail to address them, saying that there is no force in the world that can stop seven and half crore Bangladeshis from achieving their freedom, from achieving their independent Bangladesh.

Source: Liberation War Museum and The Daily Star Archive