Britain’s support for Bangladesh’s UN candidacy

June 24, 1972

BRITAIN-BANGLADESH JOINT STATEMENT

In a joint statement issued today by the foreign ministers of Britain and Bangladesh, it is said that Britain will support Bangladesh's candidacy at the UN. Britain also assures Bangladesh of providing support in its reconstruction effort, adds the statement. The country will allocate an additional 30 million pounds for Bangladesh. British Foreign Minister Sir Alec Douglas-Home praises Bangladesh's decision to join the Commonwealth. Bangladesh's Foreign Minister Abdus Samad Azad reiterates the country's policy of non-alignment and says that Bangladesh will actively promote peace and stability in South Asia as well as in the world, says the statement.

Earlier in a meeting with President Abu Sayeed Chowdhury, the British foreign minister assures of his country's support to bring home Bangalees stranded in various countries, including Pakistan and Middle Eastern countries. The president expresses his deep gratitude to the people and government of the UK for their support during the Liberation War.

Sir Douglas-Home leaves Dhaka today after the successful completion of his two-day state visit.

FLOOD SITUATION DETERIORATES IN SYLHET

The flood situation has worsened in Sylhet due to heavy rains and onrush of water from the upstream, affecting 12 lakh people. 17 out of 32 thanas of the district go under water with the Surma and Kushiara continuing to swell. Floods have washed away crops of 1.8 lakh acres of land, according to estimates from district officials. The government has allocated Tk 10 lakh and 20,000 maunds of food grains for the affected people. Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman will visit the affected areas on June 26, 1972.

HUGE ARMS CACHE RECOVERED

As part of the ongoing drive against anti-social elements across the country, police and Jatio Rakkhi Bahini conduct raids in Feni today and recovered a huge cache of arms. Two persons are arrested in the case.

SOURCES: June 25, 1972 issue of Purbodesh.