Gratitude and goodwill for Soviet people
FEBRUARY 29, 1972
BANGABANDHU LEAVES FOR MOSCOW
Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman leaves today on a five-day state visit to the Soviet Union carrying a message of friendship from the people of Bangladesh. It is his first state visit to the Russian capital. Described as a `goodwill tour', the Soviet visit is expected to see a wide range of talks between the two governments with the topic of economic assistance to Bangladesh set to feature prominently.
As for the political significance of the tour, the Prime Minister will personally convey the good wishes and gratitude of the people and the government of Bangladesh to the people, government and leaders of the Soviet Union for their support to the Liberation Struggle of Bangladesh. Most importantly, leaders of both countries will have a person-to-person contact for the first time, which can lead to a greater understanding between the two countries.
Bangladesh Planning Commission will present a substantial brief of the country's aid requirements and to what extent the USSR could assist the country.
CHOICE FOR NON-BANGALEES TO LEAD PEACEFUL LIVES
UN Special Envoy Vittorio Guiccardi's report to the UN Secretary General discloses that the Bangladesh prime minister proposed to the UN envoy that arrangements should be made by which the non-Bangalees living in Bangladesh would have an opportunity to live a peaceful life in the country of their choice. Bangabandhu expressed his immediate agreement to a proposal of the Red Cross to arrange, initially, for one token planeload to fly from Bangladesh to Pakistan carrying some of those who wished to go to Pakistan and a second flight to bring back persons from Pakistan to Bangladesh, says the report. Bangabandhu also told Guiccardi that except the individuals wanted or retained for trial, all those who chose to leave Bangladesh would be free to go to Pakistan or elsewhere without any conditions.
BHUTTO'S MESSAGE TO MUJIB
Pakistan President ZA Bhutto has sent a special message to Bangabandhu offering 10 million tonnes of rice to the new state. The offer was made through the UN representative in Islamabad.
SIX-MILLION DOLLAR SWISS AID
The Swedish government has contributed $6 million to the UN relief programme for immediate salvage operations at Chittagong and Chalna ports.
LOCAL BODIES DISSOLVED
The president through an order has dissolved all local councils and municipal committees in Bangladesh. The order declares that all persons holding office as chairman, vice-chairman, member and administrator of such local councils and municipal committees will cease to hold office.
SOURCES: March 1, 1972 issues of Ittefaq, The Bangladesh Observer, Azad, Morning News, Dainik Bangla and Purbodesh.
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