PAKISTAN STUDIES NOTES-GRADE 10TH

Chapter # 8 – Political Development in Pakistan 1947-2002

8.3.2   Discuss the Six Points of Mujib-ur-Rehman.

The Six Points of Mujibur Rahman, also known as the Six Point Movement or the Six Point Formula, were proposed by Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, a prominent leader of East Pakistan (now Bangladesh), in 1966. These points were pivotal in shaping the demands for autonomy and ultimately independence for East Pakistan from West Pakistan. The Six Points were:

1. Federalism: The first point advocated for a federal form of government in Pakistan with a parliamentary democracy. This would ensure a decentralized power structure, granting significant autonomy to the provinces, particularly East Pakistan, in managing their own affairs.
2. Provincial Autonomy: Mujib’s second point emphasized maximum autonomy for the provinces. Each province, including East Pakistan, would have control over its resources, finances, and administration, reducing the dominance of the central government in Islamabad.
3. Separate Currency: Mujib proposed the introduction of separate currencies for the two wings of Pakistan. This was aimed at ensuring fiscal autonomy for East Pakistan, reducing economic disparities, and preventing the exploitation of East Pakistan’s resources by the central government in West Pakistan.
4. Control over Taxation and Revenue: The fourth point called for the provinces to have the authority to levy and collect taxes independently. This would give East Pakistan greater control over its economic resources and fiscal policy, reducing dependence on the central government for financial support.
5. Defense: Mujib demanded that each wing of Pakistan be responsible for its own defense. This was a significant departure from the existing centralized defense structure, which was heavily dominated by West Pakistan. East Pakistan felt marginalized and neglected in matters of defense and security.
6. Foreign Trade and Commerce: The sixth point sought to grant East Pakistan control over its foreign trade and commerce policies. This would enable East Pakistan to establish direct economic relations with other countries, fostering its economic development and reducing reliance on West Pakistan for trade.

The Six Points of Mujibur Rahman were seen as a manifestation of the grievances of the people of East Pakistan against the perceived exploitation and marginalization by the central government in West Pakistan. These points laid the foundation for the demand for greater autonomy, eventually leading to the Bangladesh Liberation War in 1971 and the subsequent independence of Bangladesh from Pakistan.