90-million-pound British aid for Bangladesh

June 23, 1972

BRITISH FM CALLS ON BANGABANDHU

British Foreign Minister Sir Alec Douglas-Home calls on Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman today at his official residence. In the hourlong meeting they discuss various bilateral and international issues. Douglas-Home praises Bangladesh's decision to join the Commonwealth.

Later, at a dinner hosted by the Bangladesh government in honour of the British foreign minister, Sir Douglas-Home says that Britain tried its best to support the cause of Bangladesh during the Liberation War. The country provided extensive support for the maintenance of Bangladeshi refugees in India, he adds. The British Foreign Minister assures that his country will provide all kinds of support to Bangladesh in its efforts to be a happy and prosperous country. He further informs that 90 million pounds will be provided by Britain for reconstruction of war-torn Bangladesh.

PM MOURNS LOSS OF LIVES IN SYLHET FLOOD

Bangabandhu today expresses deep condolences for the loss of lives due to flood in Sylhet and its adjacent areas. It is reported that 12 lakh people are affected and 38 are killed due to the flash flood. Bangabandhu assures that all the affected people will be provided relief and other necessary support.

ANTI-HOARDING DRIVES CONTINUE

Police along with Jatiyo Rakkhi Bahini conduct raids against hoarders in several places in Dhaka and Chittagong, and recover huge amount of essential goods. 42 hoarders are arrested in these drives. The anti-hoarding operations began yesterday following the end of the 15-day ultimatum given by Bangabandhu on June 7 at Suhrawardy Uddyan. The drives will continue against hoarders, black marketers, illegal occupants of houses and other evil elements. The government also shuts down 12 ration shops for illegal trading. Due to mindless hoarding by a certain group of businessmen, prices of essential goods have skyrocketed in recent times.

SOURCES: June 24, 1972 issue of Purbodesh.