First Arab recognition for Bangladesh

July 8, 1972

PM INQUIRES ABOUT FOOD SITUATION

Even though Bangabandhu has been advised complete rest by his personal physician enquires today about the food situation in different parts of the country from his secretariat emergency control room. Bangabandhu who was taken ill three days ago is feeling comfortable today. The prime minister also enquires about prices of essential commodities including the price of rice in different parts of the country.

IRAQ RECOGNISES BANGLADESH

The Iraqi government has decided to recognise Bangladesh, the official Iraq news agency report today. Iraq is the first Arab country to accord recognition to Bangladesh. The recognition was conveyed to the Bangladesh Foreign Minister Abdus Samad Azad by the Iraqi Foreign Minister Murtada Adithi. Adithi told his counterpart in a cable that his government wished to establish friendly and fruitful relations with the Bangladesh government.

EXPLOIT UNTAPPED RESOURCES

Prime Minister Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman today stresses the need for careful planning for the best exploitation of untapped natural resources so vital for the economic growth of the country. Bangabandhu is confident that the natural resources if tapped into properly would usher in a new era of prosperity for the people of Bangladesh. He expresses the hope that the country's scientists, engineers and technicians would rise to the occasion to fulfill the stupendous task of national reconstruction and development. Wishing success to the two-day national seminar titled 'Natural Resources and Industrial Prospects of Bangladesh' Bangabandhu describes it as a commendable venture, according to a press release issued today. 

PAY COMMISSION SOON

Minister for Finance and Planning Tajuddin Ahmad today discloses that the Prime Minister Sheikh Mujibur Rahman would soon announce formation of a National Pay Commission to rationalise the pay structure. There are 135 grades to service in different organisations of the country. The gap between different grades is irrational. This gap should be narrowed down, the minister adds. 

SOURCES: July 9, 1972 issues of Bangladesh Observer, Dainik Bangla and Dainik Ittefaq.