While visiting the USSR in 1972, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman said that fearful of the Soviet Union, the Pakistan government did not hang him. During the trip, the Soviet government assured Bangabandhu that it will exert its influence to ensure safe repatriation of stranded Bangladeshis in Pakistan.

Soviet foreign minister Adre Gromico made the promise while talking to foreign minister Humayun Azad.

Earlier, at a banquet, Bangabandhu said: “The objective of Bangladesh and USSR is to establish socialism and end repression.”

He also underlined socialism, democracy, nationalism and secularism.

Bangabandhu marveled at the reconstructed Leningrad and also thanked Indira Gandhi and the people of India for their role in the war of independence.

On Mar 4, 1971, Bangabandhu called on the people to be prepared, saying: “The liberation movement has tom run at any cost.”

On this day, Moulana Abdul Hamid Khan Bhashani, also said: “If the demands of the Bengalis are not met then the movement will go on.”

On this day in 1971, journalists, writers, and artists boycotted radio and TV programmes; they also organized rallies. The preparation for Mar 7 began from Mar 1.