The mass upheaval in East Bengal entered a militant phase on December 26, 1968, when Dhaka University reopened from its October 22 closure. With Tofael Ahmed, Vice-President, Dhaka University Central Students Union, as Chairman, East Pakistan Students League, East Pakistan Students Unions (pro-Moscow and pro-Peking), and NSF (anti-government faction) formed an All-party Students Committee of Action. Under Tofael Ahmed's leadership, the Students Committee of Action drew up the 11-point program and launched a movement against the Ayub government.

1. 14 demands relating to education including rejection of the National Education Commission Report and the Hamoodur Rahman Commission report and repeal of the University Ordinances;

2. Restoration of democracy and universal adult franchise;

3. Autonomy for East Bengal along the lines of the six-points;

4. Establishment of a sub-federation in west Pakistan, giving full autonomy to Baluchistan, the North-West Frontier Province and Sind;

5. Nationalization of banks, insurance companies, and big industrial units;

6. Reduction of taxes on agriculturists;

7. Payment of proper wages to laborers;

8. Introduction of a flood control plan in East Bengal;

9. Lifting of the state of emergency, public safety acts and other repressive measures;

10. Formation of an independent foreign policy, including withdrawal from CENTO and SEATO pacts; and

11. Release of all political prisoners and students and dropping of all political cases including the Agartala Conspiracy case.