Yahya in town

On this day in 1971, all offices and businesses remained shut in continuation of a peaceful movement.

Daylong meetings and rallies continued in capital Dhaka and even black flags were hoisted on vehicles.

Amidst heavy security, President Yahya Khan arrived in Dhaka from Karachi in the afternoon to meet Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman for “negotiations”.

Lt Gen Tikka Khan welcomed him at the airport. But no journalists or Bangladeshis were allowed there at that time.

Meanwhile, Peoples Party Chairman ZA Bhutto at a press conference in Karachi revealed a new set of demands saying that Awami League and People's Party should form a new government “in conjuncture”.

At night, the AL in a statement reaffirmed the support of people in Bangabandhu's call for peaceful non-cooperation movement.

Bangabandhu said he had taken over the administration of East Pakistan except Dhaka, Cumilla (then Comilla), and Jashore (then Jessore).

He had made an announcement with 35 directives including continuation of the non-cooperation movement and a fresh action programme as the struggle entered its third phase.

[Sources: Liberation War Museum]