DACCA: The fateful talks between President Yahya Khan and the Awami League chief, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, were resumed at the president’s house here today [March 19]. The dialogue lasted 90 minutes. Another round of talks will be held tomorrow.... Later in the evening three advisers of the Awami League chief had a meeting with the advisers of the President. Although the Awami League chief … did not say if any formula had been proposed to end the present constitutional deadlock the agreement to hold meeting at advisers’ level itself indicates that some ground has been broken at the third round of talks between the President and the Awami League chief today [March 19].

It is also significant that the advisers’ level meeting will be followed up by another meeting between the President and Sheikh Mujibur Rahman when the latter will be accompanied by six leaders of his party.

[Meanwhile, as reported by agencies in Dacca,] Curfew was imposed ... in Joydevpur town, about 22 miles from [Dacca], following exchange of fire between the local people and the Army personnel resulting in casualties to both sides.... The trouble started when the armed crowd put up barricades to block the way of the Commander who was returning to Dacca ... after a routine visit to his troops in Joydevpur. … Three soldiers were seriously wounded. The troops returned the fire, killing two persons and injuring another five. …

Published in Dawn, March 20th, 2021