‘Let Bhutto recognise Bangladesh first’
MARCH 22, 1972
MUJIB TURN DOWN PAK TALKS OFFER
Sharply rebuking Pakistan President ZA Bhutto for indulging in purposeless talk, Bangbandhu turns down the offer to sit and talk for a settlement. In an interview with Associated Press, Bangabandhu declares, "Let Bhutto recognise Bangladesh first and then we will decide what to do and what not to do. This sort of talking in the air will not solve any problem. He must recognise the reality. Then there can be some way out."
GOVT. SIGNS LETTER OF UNDERSTANDING WITH UNROD
The government of Bangladesh signs a letter of understanding with the United Nations Relief Operation in Dhaka (UNROD) today regarding the disposal of food-grains and food-stuff received from friendly countries through UNROD. It is mutually agreed that a fund will be created out of the sale proceeds of the commodities to be sold through the normal channel of the rationing system at prescribed prices. The fund thus created is intended to finance the Rural Works Programme to be undertaken by the government for the purpose of creating employment opportunities and thereby increasing the purchasing power of the people, says a government handout.
ILO DG'S MESSAGE TO PM FOR REHABILITATION
The Director General of International Labour Organisation (ILO) in a message to Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman has offered his organisation's service for the rehabilitation of the workers of Bangladesh. In another message the ILO Chief has appealed to Bangabandhu to allow softer treatment to Dr AM Malik, governor of former East Pakistan under the Yahya regime, and his family members on "humanitarian considerations".
CANADA TO HELP BANGLADESH
The visiting Canadian high-powered economic delegation, headed by the President of the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) Paul Gerin-Lajoie, gives assurance that the Canadian government will be glad to extend necessary help and assistance to Bangladesh in its relief and rehabilitation programme. The delegation calls on the finance minister at the Secretariat. Lajoie shares that they have a two-fold purpose to visit Bangladesh. One is to develop friendly relations between the people of Canada and Bangladesh and another to determine the urgent needs and requirements of Bangladesh in its rehabilitation programme.
SOVIET-BANGLA NAVIGATION ACCORD SIGNED
An agreement is signed between USSR and Bangladesh on rendering gratuitous assistance to Bangladesh in restoration of normal conditions for navigation in the sea ports of the country.
SOURCES: March 23, 1972 issues of Dainik Bangla, The Daily Ittefaq, Azad, Morning News, The Bangladesh Observer and Purbodesh.
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