First year of Bangladesh: Bangabandhu’s nation-building challenges

FEBRUARY 3, 1972

ATTEND OFFICE ON TIME

Bangabandhu issues an order asking government officials to attend office timely. He warns them of strict action if they are absent and negligent in performing their duties.

SOVIET SUPPORT FOR BANGLADESH

A Soviet delegation led by Valentin F Popov meets several ministers of the government and discusses possible cooperation between the two countries in various fields. USSR will donate 28,000 tonnes of rice for the Bangladeshi refugees and provide aircraft for internal and international flights, informs Popov. They also discuss the question of revival of power and irrigation system in Bangladesh. The Soviet delegation shows interest in helping Bangladesh for early resumption of work in Ghorashal Power Station. 

Khulna genocide

Agriculture Minister Sheikh Abdul Aziz claims that at least one lakh people were killed in Khulna by the Pakistani occupation force during the Liberation War. At a press conference organised at the Secretariat, he shares his harrowing experience of a week-long tour in the region. He specifically mentions the Rupsa industrial area, Khalishpur, Khulna Crescent Mill, Khulna Newsprint Mill, Gollamari, Khulna Customs and Forest Dock, where hundreds of bodies and skeletons were found.

Bhutto’s suggestion for early US recognition of Bangladesh

In a secret telegram issued on February 3, 1972, the US Embassy in Pakistan informs the US State Department about Pakistan President Bhutto’s suggestion that the US should move soon to regularise its position on Dhaka and recognise Bangladesh shortly. The US should establish contact with Mujib without delay which, according to Bhutto, will be helpful in the context of Mujib’s own problems and anticipated Indo-Pak negotiations on issues resulting from the recent war. Bhutto suggests that February 20 will be an appropriate date for the US to announce the recognition of Bangladesh. Referring to his recent visit to China, Bhutto shares that Chinese Premier Chou En-Lai said specifically that China would wish to be guided by Bhutto’s views on recognising Bangladesh. Although China has an interest in developments in Bangladesh, it can afford to get along without an ambassador in Dhaka if that is Bhutto’s desire. Chou En-Lai said that China would, in that case, be prepared to use other resources available to them within Bangladesh, implying reliance on pro-Chinese elements, reads the telegram.

Sources: Documents on South Asia, 1969-1972 & February 4, 1972 issues of Dainik Bangla, The Daily Ittefaq and Purbodesh.