‘Rise above petty interest’

APRIL 7, 1972

FIRST COUNCIL OF AWAMI LEAGUE AFTER INDEPENDENCE

Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, president of Bangladesh Awami League, asks his party men to rise above petty interest and engage themselves in constructive work to take the war-ravaged country towards the path of progress.

Addressing the first council meeting of the party after the independence, Bangabandhu refers to reports alleging that some Awami League workers and MCAs are engaged in internecine quarrel and are indulging in corruption. He warns that any act of corruption and indiscipline by any member of Awami League will be strongly dealt with.

Bangabandhu comments that he has no passion for anything and has the moral strength to give up anything and says, "Prime minister-ship means nothing to a man who can brave death."

Speaking about the economic policy, Bangabandhu says that his party's commitment to socialism is reflected in the nationalisation of banks, insurance and other big industries including jute and textile. He makes it very clear that no individual will be allowed to acquire and possess more than 100 bighas of land. He says the ceiling will be reduced further.

CHINA WILL REALISE MISTAKE

Bangabandhu today hopes that China will come to realise the mistake in its stand on Bangladesh and will accept the reality of Bangladesh. It will be wise for China to come forward with the recognition early, he comments.

Bangabandhu also advises Bhutto to recognise Bangladesh and attain friendship with India through negotiation so that the sub-continent can be declared a war-free zone.

ALL-PARTY RELIEF BODY AT UNION LEVEL

Bangladesh government has decided to form all-party committees up to union level for relief and rehabilitation works in the country.  AHM Kamaruzzaman, Minister for Relief and Rehabilitation, says that the broad-based committees, to be reorganised over the existing ones, will include five additional members comprising of three from Awami League and two from those political parties which had participated in the Liberation Struggle and have been supporting the government in its task of national reconstruction. He further informs that the government has so far spent nearly Tk 51 crore for relief and rehabilitation work in Bangladesh.

STORMS TAKE TOLL OF 113 LIVES SO FAR

113 persons are killed and 3460 others injured in tornadoes and nor'westers in different places of the country over the last few days. Disclosing this at a press conference today, Minister for Relief and Rehabilitation AHM Kamaruzzaman adds that 80,200 houses are damaged either completely or partly by the storms. He also informs that the government has already taken emergency relief measures to aid the affected families.

SOURCES: April 8, 1972 issues of Ittefaq, The Bangladesh Observer, Azad, Morning News, Dainik Bangla and Purbodesh.