While taking weapons from guerilla forces, Bangabandhu said on Jan 30, 1972: “I am not taking the weapons forever; if needed, they will be returned to face possible conspirators against the nation.”
On this day, weapons used during the independence war were surrendered by Bangladesh National Awami Party, Bangladesh Communist Party and Bangladesh Chhatra Union.
Also, information about those wounded and disappeared in the war was asked by the prime minister’s office.
The papers published news that with recognition of Bangladesh by Commonwealth states, Pakistan declared to leave the platform.
At the weapons surrendering programme, he said: “We are not against the people of West Pakistan but oppose the tyrants who have made our Bengal a large crematorium. But they could not take our land and on this we will make our country.”
Saying that Bangladesh will be a socialist democracy with secular values, he added: “Imperialists and their cohorts are still working against the independence of the country and we must resist all conspiracy.”
After submission of weapons, Communist Party general secretary Abdus Salam, commented: “We fought for socialism and since the government has declared that Bangladesh will be a socialist state, we will support it to achieve that aim.”
Bangabandhu asked the members of the militia to join police and the armed forces.
On this day, newspapers carried a report that since three main countries of Commonwealth recognized Bangladesh, Pakistan has left the forum.
Pakistan severed ties with the Commonwealth since Britain gave recognition to Bangladesh.
During a press conference in Pakistan, Bhutto said: “I was forced to take this move to safeguard the honour and respect of my country.”
The government also took over the abandoned homes in Dhaka and other places and the people were asked to inform the authority of such homes.
Till Jan 30, more than 6 million refugees came back to Bangladesh.