Go to polls and prove your worth: Bangabandhu

January 4, 1973

NO ALL-PARTY GOVERNMENT

Prime Minister Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman today rejects the opposition's suggestion of an all-party government before the polls to ensure free and fair elections. He refuses to grant the status of a "political party" to the opponents of the present government. He makes his point saying the parties who are now clamouring for an all-party government had the security money of their candidates forfeited in the last elections.

Addressing Bangladesh Chhatra League students at Ramna Green today, Bangabandhu says there is no logical reason for the resignation of his government before the polls. He advises his political opponents to go to the polls and take the mandate from the people to administer the country. He says he would be too glad to be relieved of his onerous responsibilities if the people return the opposition to power.

The prime minister makes it clear that the opposition should have no misgivings about the fairness of the coming elections. He says a High Court judge has been entrusted with the responsibilities of holding the elections in a free and fair manner. He reiterates that the elections will be free, fair and impartial.

INDIA, BANGLADESH WILL EXCHANGE SURPLUS POWER

An India-Bangladesh agreement is signed in Dhaka today providing for setting up of a Joint Power Coordination Board, an expert body which will study the feasibility of exchange of surplus power of the two countries. The board will also examine the feasibility of linking the power grids of the two countries to share power. The plan is to meet the shortage of power of one area of the country from the surplus of the adjacent area in the other country.

SOURCES: January 5, 1973 issues of Bangladesh Observer, Dainik Bangla and Dainik Ittefaq.