First year of Bangladesh: Bangabandhu’s nation-building challenges
FEBRUARY 7, 1972
INDO-BANGLA ACCORD
Bangabandhu and Indira Gandhi today conclude their talks with the complete understanding of cooperation in all spheres between the two countries, particularly in the economic recovery of Bangladesh. The two leaders held talks for over five hours in three sessions spread over two days. They mainly discussed the economic problems of Bangladesh with particular emphasis on trade including border trade, cooperation in the field of water resources development, restoration of communications and the rehabilitation of the refugees. A joint communique will be issued tomorrow. Indira Gandhi hands over to Bangabandhu five motor vehicles as a token of aid.
MUJIB REJECTS BHUTTO’S ALLEGATION
Bangabandhu rejects outright Pakistani President ZA Bhutto’s allegation that non-Bengalis in Bangladesh are passing their days in distress. “It is false, malicious and motivated,” he adds. When asked about the reported allegation of Bhutto at a tea with intellectuals of Kolkata at Rajbhaban, Bangabandhu declares that not a single non-Bengali has been killed in retaliation after the liberation of Bangladesh.
BANGABANDHU’S TRIBUTE TO INDIAN PRESS
Speaking at a reception given in his honour by the Kolkata Press Club, Bangabandhu pays tribute to the Indian press for projecting the truth about Bangladesh at a time when it was difficult to get it from within the country as the Pakistani occupation army gagged the press and sealed all the means of communication with the outside world. “If you had not told the truth it would have been difficult for the people of Bangladesh to get any assistance from abroad,” adds Bangabandhu.
EVERY VILLAGE WAS BUT A JALLIANWALA BAGH
Every village in Bangladesh was but a Jallianwala Bagh during Pakistan Army occupation, Bangabandhu says while speaking at a civic reception in Kolkata. Bangabandhu also pays tribute to the Indian Army and praises its conduct in Bangladesh. He says, “You wouldn’t believe how they are loved by the people there. They are allied forces. They are in Bangladesh at the request of my government and would leave when asked to do so.”
EX PARTE JUDGMENTS DECLARED VOID
The president of Bangladesh through an order declares null and void all judgments, decrees and orders passed ex parte by any court or tribunal, or orders disposing of matters due to default in any legal proceedings at any time after March 1, 1971, and before the commencement of this order.
TK 10CR BARTER DEAL WITH USSR
A barter agreement of import and export worth Tk 10 crore has been finalised today between Bangladesh and the USSR. The short-term agreement is for a duration of nine months.
C’WEALTH MEMBERSHIP SOUGHT
Bangladesh has formally applied for membership in the 31-nation Commonwealth, and soundings are being taken to determine whether its application should be granted.
Sources: February 8, 1972 issues of Dainik Bangla, The Daily Ittefaq, Azad, Morning News, The Bangladesh Observer and Purbodesh.
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