1969's Mass Uprising in East Pakistan

1969's Mass Uprising in East Pakistan

 In 1969, in both parts of Pakistan, a strong mass movement began against Basic Democracy, Agartala Case and Ayub's oppression. In the 11 -point programme of the students many issues were included such as increase of opportunity for education, regional autonomy, adult franchise, freedom of speech, nationalization of large-scale industries, increase of advantages for labourers and farmers, impartial foreign policy, withdrawal of emergency and freeing of political prisoners. All opposition parties were united for the demand of cancelling One Unit in West Pakistan and the establishment for autonomy in East Pakistan. At this time, many students were killed by the firing of the police. To protest this killing, mass movement started all over the country.

The opposition parties formed Democratic Action Committee (DAC). The intense mass-student movement then started all over the country. The country-wide movement that arose on the demands of Ayub's resignation, cancellation of the Constitution of 1962, establishment of parliamentary democracy, withdrawal of Agartala case turned into a mass movement. Fearing the movement, Ayub Khan withdrew Agartala case. After his release from imprisonment, on 23 February 1969, in a huge gathering of students and people the unparalleled leader of the Bangalis, Sheikh Mujib was given the title of Bangabandhu at the Race Course Maidan (currently Suhrawardy Uddyan). On 25 March in 1969, Ayub Khan stepped down from politics transferring power to General Yahyia Khan.

On assuming power,Yahyia Khan took several important steps to solve the prevailing crisis. He lifted ban from the activities of political parties. In order to hold the first general elections in Pakistan, he took some constitutional measures. Of these measures, the notable ones were 'one man, one vote', and distribution of seats in the National Assembly based on the principle of population for each province. He arranged 313 seats in the National Assembly of which 13 were reserved for women. The provision was made to grant maximum autonomy for each province. Maximum 120 days were fixed for drafting constitution by the elected representatives. Draft of the constitution was to be approved by the President.


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