June 7: The Day of Vow for Bengali Liberation through the Six-Point Movement

Every year, June 7 marks a glorious and unforgettable chapter in the history of Bangladesh — the Six-Point Day. It was on this day in 1966 that the Bengali nation took a decisive step toward asserting its identity, rights, and destiny. The Six-Point Movement, formulated and led by Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, was not just a set of political demands; it was the blueprint for Bengali autonomy and ultimately, the declaration of our destiny — independence.

Historical Background: The Roots of the Six-Point Demand

After the creation of Pakistan in 1947, the people of East Bengal (later East Pakistan) found themselves increasingly marginalized in all spheres of life — politics, economy, military, administration, and culture. Despite being the majority population, East Pakistanis were treated as second-class citizens by the ruling West Pakistani elite.

Key grievances included:

• Economic disparity: East Pakistan generated most of the export earnings (especially through jute) but received a disproportionately small share of national expenditure.

• Language controversy: The attempt to impose Urdu as the sole state language sparked the historic Language Movement of 1952, which planted the seeds of future resistance.

• Military and civil exclusion: Bengalis were grossly underrepresented in the armed forces and central bureaucracy.

This continuous political and economic oppression convinced Bangabandhu and his colleagues that mere participation in a united Pakistan would not ensure justice for the Bengalis. Hence, the Six-Point demands emerged as the manifesto for self-determination.

The Six Points: The Charter of Bengali Liberation

Announced in Lahore on February 5, 1966, the Six Points called for:

• A federal constitution based on the Lahore Resolution of 1940.

• Limiting the central government’s role to defense and foreign affairs only.

• Either two separate currencies or one with strong safeguards against capital flight.

• Power for provinces to collect taxes and maintain their own revenue systems.

• Separate foreign exchange accounts for East Pakistan.

• The right of East Pakistan to raise its own militia or paramilitary force.

These points challenged the very foundation of West Pakistani control and, as such, were seen as a threat by the ruling elite and military establishment.

June 7, 1966: A Day of Courage and Martyrdom

Following the declaration of the Six Points, the Ayub Khan regime responded with mass arrests, intimidation, and repression. Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and several Awami League leaders were arrested in May 1966. In protest, the Awami League called a countrywide hartal (strike) for June 7, 1966.

This day saw:

• Mass demonstrations across Dhaka, Narayanganj, Tongi, Chittagong, Khulna, and other regions.

• Violent police crackdown on unarmed protesters.

• The killing of several innocent young men, including:

• Monu Mia – gunned down in Narinda, Dhaka.

• Shafique – another young protester killed during the strike.

• Several unnamed workers and students were martyred across East Pakistan, whose sacrifices continue to inspire generations.

These martyrs became the first bloodshed for the Six Points, turning the movement from a political proposal into a national cause.

The Awami League's Historic Role

Under the leadership of Bangabandhu, and in his absence, guided by his trusted lieutenants like Tajuddin Ahmad, Syed Nazrul Islam, Captain M. Mansur Ali, and A.H.M. Qamaruzzaman, the Awami League mobilized the masses across every town and village. Despite brutal repression, arrests, and censorship, the party's grassroots organization and ideological clarity allowed it to capture the imagination of the Bengali masses.

Later, in 1968, the Agartala Conspiracy Case was filed against Bangabandhu and 34 others, accusing them of conspiring with India for secession. The case backfired and led to mass movements, ultimately resulting in the withdrawal of the case in 1969 and the rise of Sheikh Mujib as “Bangabandhu” (Friend of Bengal).

Legacy of the Six-Point Movement

The Six-Point Movement laid the groundwork for:

• The mass uprising of 1969,

• The landslide victory of the Awami League in the 1970 general elections, and

• The historic speech of March 7, 1971, where Bangabandhu virtually declared independence.

Finally, on March 26, 1971, the dream that began with the Six Points culminated in the War of Liberation, leading to the birth of Bangladesh.

Conclusion

The significance of June 7 goes far beyond a date on the calendar. It is the day when the Bengali nation rose as one, challenging oppression and demanding self-rule. The Six Points were the Magna Carta of our liberation — and June 7, the vow of resistance.
Let us remember the martyrs of June 7, whose blood consecrated our path to freedom. Let us honor the vision and courage of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, who dared to dream of a free Bengal. And let us salute the unwavering commitment of the Bangladesh Awami League, without whom this historic journey would not have been possible.

June 7 is not just history. It is a continuing responsibility — to preserve, protect, and fulfill the vision of a just, democratic, and prosperous Bangladesh.

Writer: Sakhawat Hossain, Former leader of BSL, Dhaka University