Awami League (AL) will observe the historic 7th June today (Sunday), commemorating the six-point movement it launched 42 years ago demanding autonomy of erstwhile East Pakistan.

The six-point movement, marked by the supreme sacrifice of Sramik League leader Manu Mia, Shafiq and Shamsul Haq, paved the way for the Bengalees' final struggle for independence in 1971 under the leadership of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

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 mark the day, Awami League has chalked out elaborate programmes. President Zillur Rahman and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina have issued separate messages on the occasion.

President Zillur, in his message, said the seed of Bangladesh's independence lied in the six-point declared against the continuous disparity and long running repressive policy of the erstwhile West Pakistani rulers.

In her message, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said, "Imbued with the spirit of all democratic movements and struggle, including the historic 7th June, the present government is committed to freeing the countrymen from all oppressions and deprivations."

She urged all to take a fresh vow to materialise the dreams of the 7th June martyrs by building a hunger, poverty, terrorism and corruption-free digital Bangladesh.

- UNB, Dhaka