10 Questions
What was the significance of the Six-Point Programme in Bangladesh's struggle for self-determination?
It was a charter for Bengalis' provincial autonomy
What was the outcome of the Awami League Council meeting in February 1966?
The adoption of the Six-Point Formula for autonomy of East Pakistan
Who was the main proponent of the Six-Point Formula?
Sheikh Mujibur Rahman
What was the government's response to the Six-Point Programme?
The government provided prominent coverage to the programme
What was the significance of the Six-Point Programme in the context of national defense?
It was a precursor to Bangladesh's independence struggle
What was the primary goal of the Six-Point Programme?
To gain autonomy for East Pakistan
Who assisted Sheikh Mujib in developing the Six-Point Formula?
Tajuddin Ahmed
What was the significance of the Six-Point Programme in the context of provincial autonomy?
It was a charter for Bengalis' provincial autonomy
What was the government's motivation in providing prominent coverage to the Six-Point Programme?
To discredit the Punjabi opposition leaders
What was the significance of the Six-Point Programme in the context of monetary policy?
It had no relevance to monetary policy
Study Notes
Six-Point Programme, 1966
- The Six-Point Programme was introduced by Bangabandhu in 1966 to address the country's inter-wing political and economic problems.
- The programme aimed to restore unity among the 'western' and Punjabi minority elite, who had become divided.
Key Points of the Programme
- Point 1: The Constitution should provide for a federation of Pakistan in its true sense, with a parliamentary form of government and the supremacy of the legislature.
- Point 2: Federal government shall deal with only two subjects: Defence and Foreign Affairs, while all other subjects shall vest in the federating states (provinces).
- Point 3: Options for currency management, including the introduction of two separate but freely convertible currencies for the two wings of Pakistan.
- Point 4: Power of taxation and revenue collection shall vest in the federating units (provinces), with the federal centre having no such power.
- Point 5: Separate accounts for foreign exchange earnings, with the earnings of East Pakistan under the control of East Pakistan government, and that of West Pakistan under the control of the West Pakistan government.
- Point 6: The federating provinces (provincial government) shall be able to raise para-militia or para-military forces for their own defence.
Reaction to the Programme
- General Ayub's reaction was to threaten repression with the use of force, labelling Bangabandhu as the 'Number One Enemy of Pakistan'.
- The mainstream opposition parties in Pakistan were not willing to discuss the merits or demerits of the proposed six-point demand for greater provincial autonomy for the eastern province of Pakistan.
Significance of the Programme
- The Six-Point Programme is widely credited as the “Charter of Freedom" (Magna Carta) in Bangladesh's struggle for self-determination from West Pakistan's domination.
- The six-point movement in 1966 was the turning point in Bangladesh's quest for independence.
The Six-Point Programme was introduced in 1966 to restore unity among the western and Punjabi minority elite. It outlined a formula for regional autonomy and was published under the title 'Six Points Formula – Our Right to Live'.
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