Soviet-Bangladesh friendship is based on principle
MARCH 4, 1972
DHAKA-MOSCOW JOINT DECLARATION
The joint declaration signed in Moscow upon conclusion of talks between Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and Soviet Leaders says, "Both governments have agreed to hold regular consultations between the two governments at various levels on all important matters involving the interests of both the states."
It also says that irrespective of different social systems, the development of friendly relations and cooperation between the countries in all fields is possible in the interest of the two countries.
On the economic side, the document expresses satisfaction over the steps already taken. It notes the agreement on Soviet financial assistance on specific projects in Bangladesh like the Ghorashal Thermal Power Station, general electrical manufacturing plant in Chittagong, high-powered radio transmitter and oil and gas exploration.
At a reception given in his honour by the mayor of Leningrad, Bangabandhu reiterates that friendship between the Soviet Union and Bangladesh is based on a set of principles.
Andrei Gromyko, USSR foreign minister, assures his Bangladeshi counterpart at a bilateral meeting that the Soviet Union will use its good offices for repatriation of Bangalees living in Pakistan.
BHASHANI'S TELEGRAM TO BANGABANDHU
Maulana Abdul Hamid Khan Bhashani, chief of National Awami Party, in a telegram to Prime Minister Sheikh Mujibur Rahman warns of a 'total famine ahead' and says unless effective measures are taken in time, lakhs of people will die of starvation.
NEW CURRENCY NOTES
Bangladesh Bank issues new 100- and 1-rupee currency notes today. The present currency notes of 10, 5 and 1 will, however, remain in circulation. The Bank demonetises all 50-rupee notes, which will cease to be legal tender with effect from tomorrow.
RS. 500CR NEEDED FOR RELIEF
Bangladesh Planning Commission is preparing a comprehensive paper for the donor countries and international agencies indicating the relief requirements for the 30 million displaced people in the country. It has been estimated that about Rs. 500 crore in cash and over 30 lakh tonnes of food grain will be required for the immediate phase of the relief. But the relief and assistance received so far from outside agencies could hardly meet the actual requirements.
EGYPT OFFERS MEDIATION
At the Fourth Islamic Foreign Minister Conference, Egypt has proposed mediation between Bangladesh and Pakistan to end resolve differences and establish peace between the countries. The Conference agreed to the proposal. However, it is reported that Indonesia and Malaysia, which have already recognised Bangladesh, expressed reservations over the decision of the Conference Committee to send a team to the Indian subcontinent to seek settlement of the dispute between Pakistan and Bangladesh.
SOURCES: March 5, 1972 issues of Dainik Bangla, The Daily Ittefaq, Azad, Morning News, The Bangladesh Observer and Purbodesh.
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