‘US recognition will open up a new chapter’
April 5, 1972
BANGABANDHU WELCOMES US RECOGNITION
Bangabandhu today expresses his confidence that the formal recognition to Bangladesh by the US will open up a new chapter in the development of friendly cooperation and understanding between the people of the two countries for their mutual benefit.
In a statement issued today, the Prime Minister says, "I take this opportunity to thank the people of the US and the press for their support to our legitimate aspirations during our war of liberation."
Earlier on April 2, 1972, the US envoy to the UN, George Bush, on behalf of his government handed over a cheque of 31 million dollars to the UN Secretary General for Bangladesh as part of their donation committed earlier. The donation was meant for purchasing trucks to carry foodstuff within Bangladesh. Two days later, the US accorded recognition to Bangladesh.
SURRENDER ARMS
Addressing a mammoth public gathering in Mymensingh yesterday, Bangabandhu advised all unauthorised possessors of arms to surrender their weapons before it is too late. The Prime Minister said that those "who had taken up arms at his call surrendered their arms responding to his call. But there are others who retain arms with them. These people are creating a law and order situation and committing theft, dacoity and robbery." Bangabandhu warned that these anti-social elements will be shot if found engaged in acts of dacoity and robbery. He appealed to the people to hand over to the police the anti-social elements. He also appealed to the police to behave like peoples' police.
DHAKA AGAIN BATTERED
Dhaka city and its suburbs are battered again by the cyclonic storm for the second time in 24 hours today evening, making recovery more painful for those unfortunate ones, who were affected by the first onslaught. It is reported that the death toll of yesterday's storm rose to over 40 in Dhaka and Narayanganj, while the number of the injured would exceed 150. Bangabandhu today flies over the affected areas by an Air Force helicopter to see for himself the extent of damage caused by the cyclonic storm. He meets the government officials about the measures to be taken to help the people in distress.
BANGLADESH-YUGOSLAV TRADE PACT SIGNED
A general trade and economic cooperation agreement providing for exchange of goods worth 3.5 crore taka each way and a cooperation in economic development of Bangladesh was signed yesterday between the government of Bangladesh and Yugoslavia.
SOURCES: April 6, 1972 issues of Ittefaq, The Bangladesh Observer, Azad, Morning News, Dainik Bangla and Purbodesh.
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