Bangabandhu retains cabinet and defence portfolios

April 13, 1972

REALLOCATION OF PORTFOLIOS

Prime Minister Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman retains the defence and cabinet affairs after reallocating portfolios among the members of his expanded cabinet today. Among the eight new ministers, Mizanur Rahman Chowdhury has been allocated the portfolio of information and broadcasting while Abdul Mannan will hold the charge of home affairs. Both portfolios were earlier held by the prime minister himself. Bangabandhu will also retain all portfolios other than those distributed among the 22 ministers.

INDIA'S SUPPORT FOR WAR CRIMINALS' TRIALS

The government of India fully respects the view of the government of Bangladesh on the need for trials of those responsible for the genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes which were committed in Bangladesh. This is stated in unequivocal terms by Surendra Pal Singh, deputy minister for the Indian external affairs ministry today at the Lok Sabha. When asked about repatriation of Pakistani prisoners of war from India he maintains that the prisoners taken in the eastern theatre surrendered to the joint command of Indian and Bangladeshi forces. Therefore, the question of their repatriation will be in accordance with a joint decision by the governments of India and Bangladesh.

RELIEF SNAGS REVIEWED

During a meeting with Relief and Rehabilitation Minister AHM Kamaruzzaman, relief committee chiefs from various districts and subdivisions today complain of inadequate relief materials, delay in transportation, disruption in communication system and discrimination in relief efforts in different regions. The minister assures them of all possible efforts on his part to mitigate those problems. The minister also informs that the government is discussing with the Bangladesh Bank to provide the villagers with necessary credit through village cooperatives.

KEROSENE AGAINST RATION CARD

Kerosene oil for domestic consumption will be sold by the bonafide dealer agents of the respective oil companies to the consumers against the ration card of the head of the family concerned at the fixed price of Tk 2.25 per gallon, says a government handout issued today.

SOURCES: April 14, 1972 issues of Bangladesh Observer, Dainik Bangla and Ittefaq.