The book was much talked about when published, I saw a review on it in the Daily Star. The narratives by Khadim Raja can't be ignored!
BTW I was referring to '1971: Bhetore Baire'. The proclamation of independence was one of the major disputed issues between Sheikh Mujib and Tajuddin Ahmed, it was also mentioned in the biography of Tajuddin.
1971 Bhetore Bahire
I will take this book as credible source as the writer came out of his Awami version of twisted history. And as he was well informed than others as a high rank military official.
According to this book SM had different roles.
1. SM 7th March speech made people aware to equip themselves for coming attacks.
2. SM wasnt sure of what to do and thought of his own life security and wanted to protect his traitor image in then Pakistan as he didnt ever proclaimed independence.
3. SM might have secret pact with WP officials to clean extreme people of his party which also can be found in khadim raja's book. But later Yahia called SM traitor when he was in prison so this cant be true.
SM neither proclaimed neither opposed.
Now AL had different role there
1. Had no idea what to do in attack time scenario.
2. Was pro BD. Like Tajuddin Ahmed who wasnt in favor of any other country. Many local AL leaders actively worked to create BD from in and out. Tajuddin Ahmed can be considered as father of nation than SM. But SM was idol like figure.
3. Pro India fraction, whose activities were diminished by activities of pro BD people.
Bengal Army:
These people actually first taken initiatives to block west pakistanis. And they actually made BD.
East Army was well connected with AL but AL had no clear vision to create BD.
Zia's speech made lots of impact but he wasnt either the first one to proclaim independence. Many AL leaders and radio workers did the same work before him.
Now I was confused with a part there. When Tajuddin Ahmed met with the Jubo AL members in raw office after visiting Indira Gandhi. Why the AL members threatened Tajuddin? What those people wanted.
@asad71