Pakistan to repatriate 10,000 Bangalees

November 21, 1972      

BHUTTO'S ANNOUNCEMENT

Pakistan President ZA Bhutto announces at a jirga meeting today that 10,000 Bangalee women and children would be allowed to go back to their homes as a gesture of goodwill to "Muslim Bengal," according to a Radio Pakistan broadcast. A spokesman of the Pakistan government, also quoted by the radio, made the same announcement today at Islamabad and said this is in response to the "Indian offer" of repatriating 6,000 women and children of the families of Pakistan civilian internees and prisoners of war. The spokesman is further quoted by Radio Pakistan as saying that this step would help solve the humanitarian problems in the subcontinent.

BANGABANDHU FELICITATES BRANDT

Prime Minister Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman today extends warmest felicitations to Chancellor Willy Brandt on his victory in the West German elections. The prime minister in a telegraphic message to the Chancellor wishes continued progress and prosperity for the people of Federal Republic of Germany under his wise and able leadership. Bangabandhu also wishes for further development of friendship and cooperation between Bangladesh and the Federal Republic of Germany.

CANADA READY TO HELP IMPLEMENT 5-YEAR PLAN

Canada is willing to participate in the first five-year plan of Bangladesh, informs Jacque Gerrin, vice president of Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA). Earlier, a three-member CIDA delegation under his leadership called on the Bangabandhu at the Gono Bhaban today. Gerrin is learnt to have discussed with the PM a long-term bilateral assistance progamme. Canada also pledges 30 million dollars' aid to Bangladesh during 1973-74.

NATIONAL POPULATION COUNCIL FORMED

A national population council with the Bangabandhu as the patron-in-chief is formed. The national body will sit once a year. It will be set as the supreme policy-making body on the population problem in the country. Its policies will be executed by the National Family Planning Board. 

SOURCES: November 22, 1972 issues of Bangladesh Observer, Dainik Bangla and Dainik Ittefaq.