Bangabandhu back home

September 14, 1972

BANGABANDHU RETURNS

Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman arrives in Dhaka today at 4:25pm. President Justice Abu Sayeed Choudhury greets the prime minister. As Bangabandhu emerges from the plane he is cheered by the crowd who assembled at the airport to receive him. Shiekh Lutfor Rahman, Bangabandhu's father, is also present at the airport to receive his illustrious son. Bangabandhu takes his blessings by touching his feet. The prime minister drives straight to his Dhanmondi residence from the airport.

TALK WITH INDIRA

Bangabandhu today holds a 135-minute discussion with Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi on problems of mutual interest during a three-hour stop in New Delhi on his way home from Geneva. It is understood that the two leaders discuss the question of recognition of Bangladesh by Pakistan, the prisoner of war issues and the entry of Bangladesh into the United Nations, besides bilateral issues.

Talking to the press after his discussion with Indira, Bangabandhu says Bangladesh would not have any objection to talking either to Bhutto or any Pakistani official once Pakistan recognises Bangladesh. Referring to the question of prisoners of war, Bangabandhu says, "They killed three million Bangalees, they committed genocide -- it is a known fact. They destroyed the country. Ten million Bangalees had to take refuge in India and you still ask me this question. "

When asked about the Chinese veto against Bangladesh's entry into the UN, Bangabandhu says, "Truth will prevail. Bangladesh is a reality and this position will be accepted by all powers at one time or the other."

A documentary film on the rebel poet Kazi Nazrul Islam is presented to Bangabandhu before his departure for Dhaka from New Delhi.

SOURCES: September 15, 1972 issues of Bangladesh Observer, Dainik Bangla and Dainik Ittefaq.