First year of Bangladesh Bangabandhu’s nation-building challenges: ‘No complacency’
FEBRUARY 16, 1972
MISCREANTS WILL BE DEALT WITH SEVERELY
Bangabandhu issues a strong warning to miscreants and hooligans who are harassing innocent people and looting their properties. The prime minister says that these elements will be dealt "with a heavy hand by the government".
"You must be on guard against such bad characters," he urges freedom fighters. He also asks them to be vigilant against the machinations of provocateurs and conspirators, and work unitedly as disciplined soldiers to defend the integrity of the country and maintain law and order.
The freedom fighters must not become complacent after the liberation of the country. They should work with dedication and courage for the preservation of the hard-won freedom, he adds.
TALKS WITH PAK ONLY AFTER RECOGNITION
In reply to Indonesia's offer of holding peace talks between Bangladesh and Pakistan, the Mujib government has reiterated its stance that any talks between the two must be preceded by Rawalpindi recognising Bangladesh as an independent sovereign state.
Dr Adam Malik, foreign minister of Indonesia, had recently offered Jakarta, or any other place in Indonesia, to the governments of Bangladesh and Pakistan as a venue for 'peace talks.'
SOVIET YOUTH TEAM CALLS ON MUJIB
A four-member Soviet youth delegation calls on Bangabandhu at the Prime Minister's official residence. The leader of the delegation, Gafur Janov, requests Bangabandhu to visit Uzbekistan during his forthcoming visit to the Soviet Union.
JAPAN OFFERS TO HOST SUMMIT
Japanese PM Eisaku Sato offers to host a summit meeting between Prime Minister Sheikh Mujibur Rahman of Bangladesh and President Bhutto of Pakistan. The offer was made during a discussion between Sato and Bangladesh's special envoy MM Panni.
The Japan Red Cross Society decides to send USD 3,14,000 worth of relief goods to Bangladesh.
A four-member Japanese delegation, on behalf of the Asian Parliamentary Union, calls on Bangabandhu today at his official residence. The Japanese delegation has come here to assess the economic situation in Bangladesh and examine where Japan can assist Bangladesh in her reconstruction work.
3 MORE RECOGNITIONS FOR BANGLADESH
Thailand, Singapore and the Central African Republic recognise Bangladesh. With the three countries announcing their decisions today, Bangladesh has now won recognition by 42 countries.
SOVIET, INDIAN ENVOYS PRESENT CREDENTIALS
Indian Ambassador Subimal Dutt and Soviet Ambassador VF Popov present their credentials to Justice Abu Sayeed Chowdhury, president of Bangladesh.
SOURCES: February 17, 1972 issues of Dainik Bangla, The Daily Ittefaq, Azad, Morning News, The Bangladesh Observer and Purbodesh.