The period from the 1st to the 25th of March in 1971 marks a fiery crossroads in the history of Bangladesh. It was not only a time of political agitation but also a phase of mass awakening, sacrifices in preparation, and a nation on the verge of declaring its independence. This research-based article delves into the background, public movements, suppression, and leadership actions of each day from 1 March to 25 March—developments that decisively shaped the course of the Liberation War.
During this critical period in then East Pakistan, the region witnessed intense political tension, a resurgence of the masses, conspiracies by the ruling class, and a chain of pivotal events that would alter the course of history. Without understanding these occurrences, one cannot fully grasp the essence of the 1971 Liberation Struggle.
In researching the events of 1971, I observed that each day in March was marked by significant developments; each step carved a new chapter in history. This article seeks to chronicle the defining and momentous events of each day between 1 and 25 March, allowing readers to feel the pulse of the time and form a contextual understanding of the struggle.
The Fiery March: A Month of Sorrow, Resistance, War, Freedom, Humanity, Dreams, and Survival
In 1966, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman—then General Secretary of the Awami League—announced the historic Six-Point Programme, demanding autonomy along with economic and political freedom. Shortly thereafter, he was elected president of the party and began traversing the fields and towns of Bengal. A pamphlet titled “Six Points: Our Charter of Survival” was widely circulated throughout the country, sparking a mass wave of public support. This wave sent shivers down the spines of the Pakistani junta.
In the three months following the announcement of the Six Points, Bangabandhu held 32 public meetings across the country, and was detained nearly every time. Eventually, in an attempt to crush the awakening of the Bengali people, the visionary leader Sheikh Mujib was imprisoned for an extended period. Yet the seeds of national liberation he had sown with the Six Points had by then taken root in the hearts of millions.
This very Six-Point movement became the dream of freedom for the entire nation, which was later reflected in the 1970 general elections. Out of 313 seats in the National Assembly of Pakistan, the Awami League secured a clear majority by winning 167 seats. As the bearer of the boat symbol, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman emerged as the undisputed leader of Pakistan. But the Pakistani military junta, along with defeated West Pakistani politicians, began plotting in earnest.
After much delay, the National Assembly was scheduled to convene on 3 March 1971 in Dhaka. But on 1 March, military dictator General Yahya Khan abruptly announced the postponement of the session via a radio broadcast. This triggered a massive outcry among the Bengali population. In response, Bangabandhu called for a full-fledged movement.
In essence, the movement began on the afternoon of 1 March. Initially, Sheikh Mujib called for peaceful non-cooperation with the Pakistani oppressors. However, the junta retaliated by opening fire on demonstrators, spilling the blood of hundreds on the streets. In response, the supreme leader of the Bengali people issued increasingly stronger directives.
On the night of 25 March, the genocide began—but preparations for the slaughter were already underway.
Table of Contents
Chronology of Events: 1st to 25th March 1971
1–6 March 1971: The Spark of National Uprising
Bangabandhu had not forgotten the annulment of the United Front’s victory in the 1954 provincial elections by the Pakistani military regime. Thus, even after the sweeping victory in the 1970 general election, he remained cautious and deliberate in his approach. The chants of “Joy Bangla, Joy Bangabandhu” and “Valiant Bengalis, take up arms—free Bangladesh” echoed throughout the nation, as the people were swept up in a fever of impending independence.
Sensing the conspiracy brewing among the Pakistanis, Bangabandhu began preparing the nation step by step. When the autocratic General Yahya Khan announced the cancellation of the National Assembly session on 1 March, the country erupted in protest. Bangabandhu promptly called for a nationwide strike on 2 and 3 March.
To foil the movement, the junta imposed a curfew overnight. But defying the threat, workers, students, and citizens took to the streets. In many places, the invaders opened fire on the demonstrators. Yet, on 2 March, the entire country came to a standstill. On this day, the first flag bearing the map of Bangladesh was raised at the University of Dhaka. Condemning the Pakistani atrocities, Sheikh Mujib issued a statement demanding the immediate withdrawal of martial law and the transfer of power to elected representatives.
Simultaneously, he announced a protest programme continuing until 7 March. From 3 to 6 March, half-day hartals (strikes) were declared for each day. Sheikh Mujib called for the complete shutdown of all government and private offices, banks, secretariats, courts, communication systems, factories, and commercial establishments. 3 March was declared a National Mourning Day.
On 2 March, over a hundred people were killed and hundreds more injured in attacks by the occupying forces in Dhaka and across the country. But rather than being deterred, the movement gained even more momentum on 3 March. At a rally of the Chhatra League at Paltan Maidan, in the presence of Bangabandhu, a Declaration of Independence was read out. The national flag, anthem, territorial boundaries, and ideological framework of Bangladesh were formally announced.
The movement intensified further on 4 March, spreading like wildfire across the country. Over a hundred people were killed in Chattogram alone. The slogan “Not Rawalpindi, not Dhaka – Dhaka, Dhaka!” reverberated throughout the land. Student and youth leaders began to stockpile weapons, and local struggle committees began forming. The non-cooperation movement, led by Sheikh Mujib, surged toward the goal of independence. De facto control of East Pakistan slipped away from the Pakistani regime.
By the first week of March 1971, the administrative machinery of Pakistan had effectively collapsed in East Pakistan. In the interest of maintaining peace, volunteer units from the Awami League began patrolling the cities. Radio Pakistan Dhaka started broadcasting as “Dhaka Betar Kendra,” and Pakistan Television aired programmes under the name “Dhaka Television.” Patriotic songs played across radio and television. Sheikh Mujibur Rahman urged the people to be prepared for any sacrifice necessary to continue the struggle.
This status quo continued on 5 and 6 March, as Sheikh Mujib called for ongoing non-cooperation, including the cessation of tax payments. He also announced that on 7 March he would provide comprehensive directives.
7 March 1971: Bangabandhu Gives Final Strategic Instructions
The 7th of March 1971 became a decisive turning point in the Bengali independence struggle. People from across the country gathered at Dhaka’s Racecourse Ground (now Suhrawardy Udyan), forming a sea of people that spanned several square miles. The air echoed with the slogan “Tomar Desh Amar Desh, Bangladesh Bangladesh” (“Your land, my land—Bangladesh, Bangladesh”). The flag of Bangladesh fluttered high, and the national anthem was performed.
After 3 PM, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman—symbol of the Bengali people’s hopes and aspirations—stepped onto the stage and issued comprehensive directives for the struggle for independence. Declaring a full-scale non-cooperation movement to paralyse the Pakistani state, he announced:
“From today, all government offices, courts, institutions, and schools will remain closed indefinitely… until our country is freed, taxes and revenue collection will be suspended… Banks will open for two hours daily so that workers may collect their wages. But not a single paisa may be remitted from East to West Pakistan.”
However, Bangabandhu emphasised that the poor should not suffer. He allowed rickshaws, horse-carts, launches, and trains to operate. He also instructed employees to collect their salaries on the 28th. Calling upon people to turn every home into a fortress with whatever they had, he delivered the final call:
“This time, the struggle is for our emancipation. This time, the struggle is for our independence.”
His speech sparked a nationwide wave of non-cooperation, inspiring the masses to risk their lives for freedom. The speech’s influence extended beyond borders—Fidel Castro referred to it as a “document of unparalleled strategic brilliance”, while Nelson Mandela called it “the definitive charter of freedom.”
8 March 1971
The Pakistani authorities were forced to broadcast Bangabandhu’s speech over Radio Pakistan. Newspapers prominently featured the speech. The Daily Ittefaq ran the headline:
“We May Consider Joining the Assembly, If—”
Another article titled “From Today, My Directives—” listed several key instructions. Among these were orders for non-resident individuals to leave Dhaka and for black flags to be flown nationwide—a powerful symbol of mourning and protest.
The Daily Sangram was the only paper to headline the speech as:
“Now the Struggle is for Independence: Mujib”
Meanwhile, the Central Committee of the Chhatra League, along with Daksu’s Vice-President ASM Abdur Rob and General Secretary Abdul Quddus Makhon, issued a statement expressing complete solidarity with Bangabandhu’s speech. Though a seemingly minor act, it carried significant impact.
9 March 1971
The effectiveness of Bangabandhu’s directives became evident in newspaper reports the next day. The Daily Ittefaq published a key story:
“Rush to Leave Dhaka by Non-Residents: What Does This Signal?”
In a central committee meeting, the Chhatra League approved a proposal declaring a “Free Bangladesh.” They also urged Sheikh Mujibur Rahman to form a national government. Though the name Bangladesh had not yet been officially adopted, students had begun to envision an independent state, and many newspapers gave this considerable attention.
Another notable event: Two days after Bangabandhu’s historic speech, Maulana Bhashani delivered one of his own, declaring:
“If independence is not granted by 12 March, then I and Sheikh Mujib will once again unite in a joint movement, just like in 1952—we will not rest until our demands are met.”
This too featured prominently on the front pages of national newspapers.
10 March 1971
The Daily Ittefaq carried the headline:
“Proposal to Declare Independent Bangladesh Passed in Chhatra League Emergency Meeting”
The Daily Sangbad led with:
“We Will Launch a Joint Movement with Mujib: Bhashani”
The report noted that the ageing political veteran, Maulana Abdul Hamid Khan Bhashani, had urged President Yahya Khan to immediately grant independence to Bengal. He warned of joint action with Mujib if independence was not declared by the 12th.
11 March 1971
Bangabandhu had earlier urged Bengalis not to cooperate with the Pakistani administration—and by 11 March, this had become reality. Almost all government and semi-government offices shut down. Many judicial and administrative officials left their posts in support of the independence call.
Even cinema halls began to play “Joy Bangla, Banglar Joy” instead of Pakistan’s national anthem before screenings—an unmistakable sign of resistance.
Meanwhile, shrewd politician Zulfikar Ali Bhutto sent a telegram to Bangabandhu proposing discussions. However, West Pakistan was already facing severe economic trouble. That day, major newspapers in West Pakistan reported a shortage of newsprint—so severe that even Dawn had to cut its pages from 14 to 10. The source of this crisis? Khulna Newsprint Mill had stopped sending supplies.
The same day, President Yahya Khan issued an appeal to businessmen, warning that West Pakistan’s economy was facing serious danger.
12 March 1971
At a press conference in Lahore, Air Marshal Asghar Khan remarked that the situation in Dhaka was a consequence of actions taken in Lahore. He warned that the situation would worsen if power was not transferred to Sheikh Mujib.
Tensions in Pakistan were rising. National Assembly member Mohammad Zahir Uddin renounced his government-given titles in protest. Meanwhile, a group of 15 escaped from Bogura jail.
In the UK, The Telegraph reported that any attempt to suppress the movement by force would be misguided and ineffective.
In Dhaka, the women’s movement also grew stronger. A meeting was held at Sufia Kamal’s residence on Topkhana Road, where she was made president of the Mahila Parishad (Women’s Council), which called for similar local councils to be formed in every neighbourhood.
13 March 1971
Women’s mobilisation took centre stage in The Daily Ittefaq, with the headline:
“Call to Form Women’s Committees in Every Neighbourhood”
The administration had nearly come to a halt. In response, the military authorities ordered all military and civilian officers to return to their posts by the 15th—failing which they would lose their salaries and face dismissal. Martial Law Regulation No. 115 was imposed. Bangabandhu denounced it as a provocation.
Artist Zainul Abedin returned his state titles and awards. Meanwhile, Pakistan quietly began preparing for a large-scale crackdown. In a covert operation, 265 foreign nationals were evacuated from East Pakistan, including 60 Germans, 45 UN personnel, and many from Italy, the USA, the UK, Canada, and France.
14 March 1971
A week into the non-cooperation movement, Bangabandhu once again called for national unity and resistance. He said:
“We are ready to die so that our future generations can live in dignity as free citizens… Until we achieve liberation, our struggle will continue… The flame of Bangladesh’s freedom cannot be extinguished.”
Bhutto proposed a new formula for power-sharing between the two major parties and expressed willingness to meet Mujib.
Meanwhile, the economic impact intensified. Just as East Pakistan had stopped sending newsprint, it also ceased the supply of betel leaf (paan). This led to betel leaf rotting in Lahore, while in Karachi the price skyrocketed to Rs. 150 per seer.
15 March 1971
Dictator General Yahya Khan arrived in Dhaka under heavy security. Black flags were shown in protest, and in some places, the flag of independent Bangladesh was flown.
The Daily Ittefaq ran the headline:
“Save Us! Save Us! West Pakistani Industrialists Strangled by Bengali Non-Cooperation”
The article detailed the dire situation in cities like Karachi and Lahore, with betel leaf prices reaching exorbitant levels due to halted supply from Dhaka.
Two major developments occurred that day:
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In a press conference in Karachi, Bhutto declared that a government should be formed with Sheikh Mujib.
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Yahya Khan arrived in Dhaka amidst unprecedented security, with journalists barred from the airport.
Both moves were seen as traps. But Bangabandhu responded aptly:
“We are not concerned with who comes or what they say. We shall continue our struggle to win our rights.”
That day, he issued further directives that weakened Pakistan’s political manoeuvring. A historic decision was also made—to broadcast all radio programmes in Bengali.
16 March 1971
On 16 March, The Daily Ittefaq published Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s instructions from the previous day in eight key points under the headline:
“My Directives to the General Public”
The article included his photo and detailed his instructions. Just below, another piece announced:
“Decision to Implement Bengali in All Operations at Chattogram Radio Station”
That day marked the beginning of so-called talks between Sheikh Mujib and the Pakistani regime. In reality, the Pakistanis were stalling for time, using the guise of negotiations while secretly continuing to move in troops and arms. At noon, President Yahya Khan visited Bangabandhu’s residence. Though a closed-door meeting was held, no decisions emerged.
17 March 1971
Even amid the national crisis, various organisations and artists came to Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s residence to wish him well on his birthday. Yahya Khan proposed a second meeting that day, and Bangabandhu, showing resolve, agreed. Once again, the talks produced no results.
International media continued to cover the Pakistan issue. Newsweek published a feature that day, describing the military’s actions as “ineffective and erroneous.” Quoting leading global diplomats, correspondent Loren Jenkinson wrote:
“That East and West Pakistan will part ways is not in question. The real question is whether it will happen next week, next month, or two years from now.”
That same day, India made a historic decision in favour of Bangladesh’s independence by banning flights over its airspace bound for East Pakistan.
18 March 1971
The Daily Sangbad reported:
“All Foreign Flights to Bangladesh Prohibited Over Indian Territory”
The report suggested that the Indian government imposed the ban to prevent the airlift of troops from West Pakistan to the increasingly volatile East.
19 March 1971
The Daily Ittefaq headlined:
“This is Sheikh Mujib Speaking: I Did Not Demand This Investigation Commission”
Still, the third round of Mujib–Yahya talks went ahead that day. Meanwhile, outside Dhaka in Joydebpur, the first armed clash between the Pakistani military and civilians occurred, triggered by a sudden military assault. A curfew was declared in the area.
20 March 1971
The fourth round of talks between Bangabandhu and Yahya Khan took place—lasting 90 minutes and, again, yielding nothing but delays.
The Daily Ittefaq reported that Indian leader Jayaprakash Narayan expressed solidarity with Sheikh Mujib’s movement and endorsed the demand for power to be handed over to him.
21 March 1971
At 6:00 AM, the Central Student Action Council raised the flag of Bangladesh for the first time. At 9:00 AM, a Joy Bangla parade was held at Paltan, followed by a student rally at Baitul Mukarram at 1:00 PM.
That day, Bhutto secretly met with Yahya Khan. Meanwhile, Dhaka was alive with patriotic fervour—flags bearing the map of Bangladesh flew from rooftops across the city.
Yahya Khan also held another meeting with Bangabandhu that day.
22 March 1971
Sheikh Mujib remained steadfast in his demands. Talks continued in the presence of Bhutto. The public sensed that the endgame was approaching—perhaps a dramatic decision, or the end of martial law.
Newspapers the next day reflected this mood. The Student Action Council carried out a significant act: they published a precise blueprint and description of the new national flag. This was seen as the final nail in the coffin of Pakistan’s attempts to maintain control.
23 March 1971 – Pakistan Day
Sheikh Mujib declared 23 March to be observed as Resistance Day. At his residence in Dhanmondi, he raised the flag of independent Bangladesh. Across the country, people boycotted Pakistani products, and all major offices remained closed.
Although it was officially Pakistan Day, the only place where the Pakistani flag flew was at the President’s residence. Elsewhere, the new flag of Bangladesh dominated the skyline.
24 March 1971
Small groups of West Pakistanis began leaving Dhaka. Despite repeated rounds of Mujib–Yahya talks, no agreement was reached. Bangabandhu clearly stated:
“No form of submission will be accepted.”
Tajuddin Ahmad added:
“The Awami League has said all it has to say. No more waiting. There is a limit to how long we can wait.”
That day in Mirpur, an attempt was made to force the removal of a Bangladeshi flag from a house. In another area, a teacher was stabbed. Though police made an arrest, the Pakistan Army exerted pressure to release the attacker.
25 March 1971
Key events of 25 March:
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Late that night, Yahya Khan left Dhaka secretly in civilian attire.
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As soon as the news broke, Sheikh Mujib began relaying the final message of independence through party workers to all corners of the country.
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That same night, under the cover of darkness, the Pakistani military launched Operation Searchlight—a brutal massacre of sleeping Bengalis.
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Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman formally declared the independence of Bangladesh.
In his declaration that night, he said:
“This may be my final message. From today, Bangladesh is independent. Until every last occupying soldier of Pakistan is driven from the soil of Bengal and final victory is achieved, the struggle will continue.”
Shortly after midnight—technically early 26 March—his declaration was broadcast via a special transmitter. A foreign ship anchored in Chattogram also received the transmission. That same night, Awami League leaders in Chattogram transcribed the message and began distributing it.
27 March 1971
Internationally renowned newspapers widely reported the declaration of independence. The UK’s The Times headlined:
“Sheikh Mujib Declares East Pakistan Independent”
The Guardian reported:
“From a secret radio station, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman has declared East Pakistan independent.”
The Financial Times and The Telegraph also published news of the declaration.
Thus, the Liberation War began in full force. Following Bangabandhu’s directive, people from all walks of life—youths, workers, peasants, students, and ordinary citizens—joined the struggle for freedom. The war was waged in the name of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
After the sacrifice of three million lives, Bangladesh attained its hard-earned independence.
Bangabandhu was the fortunate and historic figure around whom the Bengali nation fulfilled its two-thousand-year-old dream. Because of his unwavering fight for the oppressed, he earned global respect after independence. From the Liberator of Bengal, he rose to become a voice for all oppressed peoples—a true global statesman.