Bangabandhu's 7 March speech evolved from a public address into a de facto declaration of Bangladesh's independence. At first, the speech covered every aspect of the Bengali people's continuous struggle for economic and political emancipation from Pakistani overlords. For example, in the last twenty-three years, Bengalis had been subjected to political oppression and economic deprivation to the highest degree. Next, the speech provided guidance and instructions in order to carry on the struggle in a peaceful manner. If we look at Bangabandhu’s intent, it was to look for a peaceful solution to every problem before engaging in conflict. Then, the speech included conditions for talks about any unresolved issues. The conditions, for instance, were the lifting of martial law, the withdrawal of all military personnel to their barracks, the transfer of power to the elected representatives of the people, and a proper inquiry into every killing carried out. After that, the speech gave the people a clear direction for an all-out struggle, no matter how much blood it would cost, to win the final victory from the clutches of the Pakistani rulers. For example, people were directed to commit total civil disobedience against the Pakistani government. Finally, the speech mentioned what the people would have to do even in the absence of their great leader. For instance, the people were under instruction to keep the enemies at bay by closing roads and highways. In short, the speech became the country's declaration of independence when it concluded with a clarion call to begin the struggle for independence.
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