‘My country is irrevocably committed to democracy’
MARCH 1, 1972
BANGABANDHU- KOSYGIN
TALKS BEGIN
Talks between the Chairman of the USSR Council of Ministers Alexei Kosygin and the Prime Minister of Bangladesh Sheikh Mujibur Rahman opens in Kremlin. The talk starts shortly after the arrival of Bangabandhu in Moscow.
The questions of bilateral issues, international problems and subjects of mutual interests have been discussed during the talks. Bangabandhu explains to the Soviet leaders the extent of devastation and destruction caused by the Pakistan occupation army and points out to them the urgent need for massive aid for the reconstruction of the ruined economy of Bangladesh. He seeks help from the Soviet Union for the ongoing projects in Bangladesh.
Kosygin expresses confidence at the banquet given by him in honour of Bangabandhu that cooperation between Bangladesh and the Soviet Union is going to be fruitful and that it will meet the national interest of the two countries. The Soviet Union will build its relations with Bangladesh on the principles of complete equality, mutual respect for sovereignty and independence and non-interference in the internal affairs of each other, he adds.
Bangabandhu in his speech says, "My country is irrevocably committed to democracy." He also says, "We are fully aware that a developing country like Bangladesh with the tremendous pressure of a growing population can't flourish if the vital sectors of the economy were not brought under social control."
He adds, "We are confident that the economic policy we have adopted will ensure not only a rapid growth of our economy but also the equitable and fair distribution of benefits of such growth."
SPECIAL AGENCY TO PROBE WAR CRIMES
A special agency has been appointed by the Inspector General of Police to investigate the crimes committed by the personnel of the Pakistan Armed Forces during the occupation in Bangladesh. According to official sources, over 1,000 public complaints against the personnel including Yahya Khan, Tikka Khan, Niazi, Rao Farman Ali have been registered so far in different police stations in Bangladesh.
9,000 BANGLADESH RIFLES MEN FOR BORDER OUTPOSTS
About 9000 personnel of the Bangladesh Rifles under the police directorate would take up positions in 300 border outposts to check smuggling and other crimes in bordering areas.
POLICE STATION IN EVERY UNION
The government is working on a plan to set up one police station in each of the country's 4,000 unions. The plan which involves an approximate expenditure of about 40 crores of rupees includes a suggestion to raise the present strength of the police personnel to one lakh.
SOURCES: March 2, 1972 issues of Dainik Bangla, The Daily Ittefaq, Azad, Morning News, The Bangladesh Observer and Purbodesh.
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