“We believe in peaceful co-existence”
MARCH 27, 1972
NON-ALIGNED FOREIGN POLICY DECLARED
Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman today spells out the non-aligned and positive neutral foreign policy of Bangladesh and says, "We are dedicated to seeking peace and to keeping ourselves out of big power politics and conflicts." He adds, "We believe in peaceful co-existence and are eager to establish friendly relations with our neighbours."
The prime minister further says that assistance from any country which wants to help Bangladesh will be accepted. But he adds that such help must be unconditional and must be extended on the basis of respect of people's sovereignty and equality of status, and on the basis of non-interference in our national affairs.
BHUTTO THREATENS TO HOLD BANGALEES HOSTAGE
Pakistan President ZA Bhutto has threatened to hold Bangalees in his country hostage for the return of the 93,000 Pakistani prisoners of war. In an interview with Kuldip Nayar, resident editor of the Delhi Statesman, Bhutto says, "I have let the nightingale out of the cage. Now I can only equate prisoners of war with Bangalees. I hope it will not have to be done. But I have nothing in my hands."
BANKING SYSTEM REORGANISED
Bangladesh Bank today announces details of the reorganisation of all old commercial banks in Bangladesh falling within the nationalisation scheme of the government, and says that the assets and liabilities of these banks have been taken by the six newly established government-owned banks.
TELECOM ACCORD WITH INDIA SIGNED
A telecommunication agreement between Bangladesh and India is signed today. Under this agreement, an ordinary telegram from Bangladesh to India containing seven words or less will cost Tk 1.33. An extra 19 paisa will be charged for each additional word.
DISTRIBUTION OF SURPLUS LAND SOON
Agriculture Minister Sheikh Abdul Aziz discloses today that distribution of surplus land from owners having more than 100 bighas among the small and landless peasants will begin soon. The highest ceiling fixed by the government for a family is 100 bighas of land.
417 DIE OF POX
Small pox has broken out in epidemic form in different parts of Faridpur and Barisal districts. The civil surgeon of Faridpur informs that he can confirm 193 deaths in Gopalganj and 32 deaths in Madaripur subdivisions so far. Health officials from Barisal confirm 192 deaths of small pox in the district.
SOURCES: March 28, 1972 issues of Ittefaq, The Bangladesh Observer, Azad, Morning News, Dainik Bangla and Purbodesh.
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