FEBRUARY 12, 1972

BANGABANDHU WARNS OFFICIALS

Bangabandhu warns the government officials against tardiness in attendance and says that Bangladesh has achieved its independence through the blood and tears of millions of countrymen and the government will not allow any lethargy on the part of the officials to stand in the way of national development. This warning comes from the Prime Minister during his surprise visit to some of the offices in the Bangladesh Secretariat in the morning. 

BANGLA UP TO SECONDARY LEVEL INTRODUCED

The Education and Cultural Affairs Ministry announces the introduction of Bangla as the medium of instruction in all educational institutions of the country up to secondary level with immediate effect. 

The government also declares uniform tuition fees for all government and non-governmental educational institutions in the country, except universities.

The Bangladesh Television Corporation will start telecasting a local news bulletin in Bangla with effect from February 14.

FRANCE, ITALY AND IRISH REPUBLIC RECOGNISE BANGLADESH

France, Italy and Irish Republic accord recognition to Bangladesh. In a press statement on the French decision to recognise Bangladesh, Bangabandhu says, "I am very happy indeed to get recognition from a great country like France whose democratic tradition and rich cultural heritage are respected all over the world.

"It is our earnest hope that fruitful cooperation and understanding between our two countries will steadily develop in future in all possible fields. 

"On this occasion, it is also gratifying for us to note that now three of the five permanent members of the Security Council have formally recognised Bangladesh as a sovereign and independent state."

FOREIGN TRADE WILL BE NATIONALISED

Commerce Minister MR Siddiqui announces that foreign trade will be nationalised. Referring to trade with India the minister says that it will be handled primarily by the government.

"While the export and import policies remain to be worked out it has already been decided that private agencies would continue to have trading licenses for the while. A new Bangalee business class has to be created to replace the past business community where Bangalees had little access," adds the minister. 

REPATRIATION TO PAKISTAN WON'T BE DIFFICULT

Foreign Minister Abdus Samad Azad says that those in Bangladesh who want to be repatriated to Pakistan will have no difficulties in doing so. "The UN have been told by certain quarters that the Non-Bengalis here are leading a wretched life. While this is misleading, the truth is that the recalcitrant among them have been disarmed and that is about all," he adds. 

SOURCES: February 13, 1972 issues of Dainik Bangla, The Daily Ittefaq, Azad, Morning News, The Bangladesh Observer and Purbodesh.