No power can undo the reality of Bangladesh
MARCH 10, 1972
US DELEGATION CALLS ON BANGABANDHU
Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman categorically says today that whether President Richard Nixon accepts the reality of Bangladesh or not, Bangladesh has come to stay and will exist forever. The sentiment is expressed by the prime minister to the visiting US Emergency Relief Fund delegation when they call on him at his official residence.
Replying to a question, Bangabandhu says, "I don't like to make beggars of my countrymen but I want to give them work. I can assure you whether help from abroad comes or not, Bangladesh will exist with whatever resources she has."
Bangabandhu notes with satisfaction that his government, in only three months' time, has been able to set up government machinery at the village level and work is going on round the clock to repair and rebuild the new nation. He tells the delegation that they should be happy to see that Bangladesh is now 'happier, more stable and more normal' than Pakistan, with whom the Nixon administration has friendly relations.
NO MILITARY PACTS WITH ANY COUNTRY
Tajuddin Ahmad, minister for finance and planning, declares that the people of Bangladesh are against joining any military pacts. Addressing the conference of the Bangladesh branch of the Afro-Asian People's Solidarity Committee, the minister says that Bangladesh will no more fall prey to those who provoke nations to fight among themselves and earn profits by selling arms to them. The people of Bangladesh want peace and prosperity and will contribute their share in the preservation and promotion of world peace, he adds.
INDUSTRIAL POLICY BEING FINALISED
Syed Nazrul Islam, minister for industries, informs that the industrial policy is being finalised and will be announced by Bangabandhu soon. The policy will be socialist-oriented and will outline the stages for the phased-out switch to the socialist pattern of industrial growth in the country, he adds.
Syed Nazrul Islam, however, says that till the final switch is completed, the private sector will be allowed to function. He hopes that the private sector will be able to contribute its share to industrial and economic development.
BHASHANI EXPRESSES CONCERN
NAP Chief Moulana Abdul Hamid Khan Bhashani in a press statement expresses grave concern over the growing tension in the Tongi industrial area over the last few days and demands immediate action from the government.
In a different incident at Khalishpur Industrial area, section 144 is imposed by district administration for an indefinite period following a clash between two groups of miscreants.
SOURCES: March 11, 1972 issues of Dainik Bangla, The Daily Ittefaq, Azad, Morning News, The Bangladesh Observer and Purbodesh.
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