Report from the British government on the political situation in Pakistan, March 1948. Catalogue ref: DO 142/423

Transcript

Jinnah received tumultuous welcome on arrival at Dacca airport. Following day he reviewed troops including newly-constituted East Bengal Regiment and said that though East Bengalis were formerly considered a non-martial race, East Bengal was now one of the most powerful components of Pakistan in which all would have opportunity to join Army and do their duty to their country.

They were before all else Muslims belonging now to a Muslim nation and essential condition for success of Pakistan was complete internal solidarity… He confirmed that Urdu must be the State language of Pakistan, but that decision regarding Provincial language of East Bengal would be according to will of people.