Donors pledge various support packages for Bangladesh

June 13, 1972

JAPAN DONATES 200 BUSES

Japanese government today declares that it will donate 200 buses to Bangladesh to improve the country's transportation facilities. These buses will be operated in Dhaka and Chittagong.

Bangladesh will also receive 2,000 trucks from various donors of which 1,000 trucks will be provided by India. The other donors are Japan, the US, Netherlands and Canada. The trucks will arrive in Bangladesh by July 1972. 

BANGLADESH-DENMARK LOAN AGREEMENT SIGNED

Bangladesh and Denmark sign a loan agreement today at Dhaka. Under this agreement Denmark will provide Tk 3 crore interest-free loan to Bangladesh for reconstruction and development of the war-torn country. This is the first agreement signed between the two countries. The loan is payable in 25 years with seven years' grace period. Denmark will supply dairy products, generators, dryers, dredgers and electric equipment under this agreement.

BRITAIN PLEDGES 90 LAKH POUND

The UK Foreign Minister Richard Wood declares today that the country will provide 90 lakh pounds to Bangladesh as aid. The country will also provide extensive support to repair damaged roads and rail bridges including Hardinge Bridge and King George VI Rail Bridge, he adds. Bangladesh will get 48 lakh pounds from Britain for economic development. Britain will also help salvage sunken vessels from rivers and reactivate river communication across Bangladesh.

SOVIET UNION HANDS OVER COASTERS

The Soviet Union today hands over two coasters to Bangladesh. Civial Aviation and Shipping Minister General MAG Osmany was present at the handover ceremony. Earlier, Bangladesh got another coaster from the Soviet Union.

150 POWS WILL BE BROUGHT TO BANGLADESH

It is reported that 150 prisoners of war (POWs) will be brought to Bangladesh from India for interrogation by the end of this month. Most of these POWs belong to ranks between Lt Colonel and Lt General. Their names are included in the list of war criminals prepared by the Bangladesh government. The trial will begin within two months following completion of the interrogation.

SOURCES: June 14, 1972 issue of Purbodesh.