On Friday, the nation observed the historic Six-point Day, a significant day in the history of Bengalis that marked the demand for autonomy of the then East Pakistan, which eventually led to the birth of Bangladesh.

Prime Minister and Awami League (AL) President Sheikh Hasina, along with cabinet members, central party leaders, and Members of Parliament, paid floral tributes at the portrait of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman at Dhanmondi 32, opposite the Bangabandhu Memorial Museum.

After laying the wreath at 7am, the prime minister stood in solemn silence for some time as a mark of profound respect for the memory of Bangabandhu.
National and party flags were hoisted on top of the Bangabandhu Memorial Museum, AL headquarters and other offices across the country marking the day.

After placing wreaths at the portrait of Bangabandhu, AL General Secretary Obaidul Quader said those who have no respect for the Six-point demand never believe in the country’s independence.
“The historic six-point demand is the turning point of the long struggle of the country’s Liberation War movement. The mass upsurge in 1969 would not have taken place if it had not been for the six-point demand,” Quader, also road transport and bridges minister, told the reporters.

Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman announced his historic Six-Point political and economic programme in Lahore in 1966, aiming to attain greater autonomy of the then East Pakistan.
To press for the demands, a countrywide strike was observed at the call of AL on this day in 1966.

During the strike, Monu Mia, Shafiq, Shamsul Haq and several other picketers were shot dead by the Pakistani army in Dhaka, Narayanganj and Tongi.
The Six-point demand turned into a “charter of freedom” for Bengali who had been subjected to discrimination in the then East Pakistan.
The movement paved the way for the Bengalis’ ultimate fight for independence in 1971.