‘Don’t demand anything for three years’

APRIL 2, 1972

BANGABANDHU VISITS DINAJPUR AND THAKURGAON

Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman today says that conspiracy is going on, within and outside, against the new-born state of Bangladesh and urges the people to unite against the conspirators and resist them. Addressing a huge public meeting in Dinajpur today, the prime minister appeals to the people to get themselves engaged in the task of national reconstruction. Bangabandhu reminds the people that the task of preservation and consolidation of independence is no less difficult than to achieve it.

Bangabandhu further says that he has started the task of reconstruction on debris and will not be able to deliver any substantial goods to the people for three years. He, however, assures that his government with the support and cooperation of the people will be able to bring back the pre-March 25 (1971) situation within three years. This task in usual cases would have taken at least 10 years, he adds.

At a public meeting in Thakurgaon, the Prime Minister says that he will prefer help and cooperation of his people than of the army and police to rule the country. He calls upon people to come forward in ensuring law and order in the country and restoring a condition that is congenial to peace and progress of the society.

FORM GANO COMMITTEES TO STOP SMUGGLING

Bangabandhu today calls upon the people to form gano committees (public committees) in every police station in the bordering areas and says that all efforts of the government and the people will be fruitless if smuggling of food grains and resources out of the country is not stopped.  He further says that he has already told the Indian government to take effective steps to stop smuggling.

FIRST SOVIET SALVAGE SHIP ARRIVES AT CTG PORT

The first of the Soviet fleet of 20 salvage ships for clearing ports of Chittagong and Chalna of the wrecks of damaged and sunken vessels arrives today. A large, welcoming crowd greets the ship as it touches the jetty carrying the flags of Bangladesh and the Soviet Union. The head of the Soviet salvaging expedition Sergey Pavlovich Zuenko,  talking to the pressman says that as the top priority the team shall minesweep the approaches to the port of Chittagong, make this accessible for incoming ships and eliminate existing prime dangers.

TORNADO HITS MYMENSINGH

At least 70 people are killed and over 350 injured seriously in a tornado which with 150mph velocity hit Fulbari thana of Mymensingh tonight.

SOURCES: April 3, 1972 issues of Ittefaq, The Bangladesh Observer, Azad, Morning News, Dainik Bangla and Purbodesh.