SMUGGLING WILL BE STOPPED AT ANY COST

June 12, 1972

SIDDHARTHA SHANKAR LEAVES DHAKA

West Bengal Chief Minister Siddhartha Shankar Roy leaves today for Kolkata after successfully completing his three-day visit to Bangladesh. In a press conference organised at Bangabhaban today the chief minister says that India and Bangladesh will take strong measures to stop smuggling in the border areas. Government officials of both countries will hold meetings on a regular basis and formulate a joint action plan. West Bengal government has already set up check-posts along the India-Bangladesh border, he adds.

Referring to the allegation of fish smuggling into India, the chief minister says that a certain quarter is spreading such propaganda to tarnish the image of both governments. He asks people to be aware of conspirators who are trying to drive a wedge between the friendly neighbours. He says that friendship between the two countries is forged in blood and sacrifice.

TAJUDDIN RETURNS FROM INDIA

Finance Minister Tajuddin Ahmed returns today after successful completion of his three-day visit to India. In a press conference at Tejgaon Airport he says that India will provide all kinds of support to rebuild the war-torn economy of Bangladesh. Both governments are committed to fully implement the friendship treaty and strengthen trade and industrial cooperation between the two neighbours, he adds. 

INDIA WILL BE ASKED TO HAND OVER POWS

Bangladesh government has prepared a list of war criminals. The list will be sent to India, and the Indian authority will be requested to hand over the prisoners of war (POWs) to Bangladesh.

TK 10 CRORE FOR REBUILDING DAMAGED HOUESE

The government has allocated Tk 10 crore to repair and rebuild houses that were damaged during the Liberation War, informs Relief and Rehabilitation Minister AHM Qamaruzzaman. The housing scheme will be run by local administration and relief committee, he adds. 

SOURCES: June 13, 1972 issue of Purbodesh.