A Sham Hero |
Ascending to power could be one prime objective of doing politics within the confines of a society, nation and a country. In modern times, attaining a democratic majority is one peaceful method to achieve this goal, but how this majority is construed, and for what purposes it is used later, also remains important for the overall sustenance, peace and survival of a nation and a country. Where Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s controversial political legacy stands today in Bangladesh, notwithstanding, a reference to Sheikh’s electoral majority in the General Elections 1970 is often quoted in Pakistan. Sheikh was not given power despite winning a majority, and totally on this plea he is often portrayed as a hero or a victim. However, this is somehow naively or expediently done without mentioning his famous Six Points Formula and its likely ramifications on the federation of Pakistan, the federation which existed before 1971 and the one which still exists. It is important to understand the context, possible outcome of such politics, and survival of the federation. This endeavour to analyse Sheikh’s Six Points, however, is not at all intended to absolve anyone or put blame on a single cause or character for the tragic breakup of Pakistan in 1971.
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Sheikh Mujib first presented his Six Points on 5 February 1966 in Lahore. Later, these became the mainstay of his subsequent political journey, and in the 1970 general elections became a rallying point and manifesto of his party. The Awami League won an election majority in East Pakistan and presented it as a referendum victory of its manifesto. This seems fair enough on the surface for the transfer of power to Mujib, but viewing it in the context of Pakistan’s position and politics in the 1970s brings out entirely different interpretations. It is important to register that when Mujib presented his Six Points in 1966, the One Unit system existed in Pakistan, and the country........