Successful operation on Bangabandhu

July 30, 1972

BANGABANDHU'S PRAYER FOR COUNTRYMEN BEFORE SURGERY

An olive-sized gallstone is removed during a successful surgery on Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman at the London Clinic today. Sir Edward Muir, the Queen's surgeon, performs the operation which lasts two hours. To prevent possible appendicitis in the future, Bangabandhu's appendix is also removed, according to Professor Dr Nurul Islam, the prime minister's personal physician. He informs, "The operation was smooth and uneventful. The prime minister's general condition is satisfactory."

Syed Abdus Sultan, Bangladesh High Commissioner in the UK, informs that Bangabandhu, just before losing consciousness under the influence of anaesthesia remembered his people in Bangladesh, twice saying, "Allah take care of the poor people of Bangladesh."

In a message sent to Bangabandhu, Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi today expresses her concern about the health of Bangladeshi premier and wishes him ab early recovery. Commonwealth Secretary Sir Arnold Smith also sends a message to Bangabandhu, wishing him an early recovery.

NAP Chief Maulana Abdul Hamid Khan Bhashani offers special prayers for the speedy recovery and safe return of Bangabandhu today.

GOVT WON'T IMPOSE PRESS ETHICS

Mizanur Rahman Chowdhury, minister for information and broadcasting, declares today that no press ethics would be imposed by the government on the journalists and adds that keeping the national interest in mind, the journalists are expected to formulate their own code of ethics.

The Minister assures that the journalists are free to make any constructive criticism of the government. The rights and privileges of the journalists would not be jeopardised, he adds. 

SOURCES: July 31, 1972 issues of Bangladesh Observer, Dainik Bangla and Dainik Ittefaq.