UN Mission praises Bangladesh people’s resilience

April 30, 1972

FRANKFURT DELEGATION CALLS ON BANGABANDHU

An economic delegation from Frankfurt calls on Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman today at his official residence. They discuss various economic issues related to the reconstruction of the economy of Bangladesh and trade between the two countries. 

UN REPORT ON BANGLADESH

The UN Mission to Bangladesh headed by the Austrian diplomat Erna Sailer has stated in its report that despite the disruption of life in the last 12 months, "the Bangladesh people have shown remarkable objectivity and attained a degree of unity".

"They have shown remarkable resilience and inborn capacity to help themselves with meager measures available," the report says. "It is usually inhabitants of those parts of the country where destruction was greatest who now display the most energy."

As regards the economic situation in Bangladesh, the report notes that since independence was attained the financial administration has been restored. The report advises the Bangladesh government to issue a comprehensive programme of rehabilitation. The government is also advised to review, with the agencies and countries concerned, the interrupted development projects. The mission stresses that rehabilitation aid in kind can be provided by friendly governments and this will be most beneficial.

INDIRA-BHUTTO SUMMIT IN MAY

The summit talks between Indira Gandhi and ZA Bhutto will take place in May. The date will be fixed according to their convenience. The India-Pakistan emissary-level talks have ended and a joint statement is issued simultaneously from New Delhi and Islamabad.

FOUR SOVIET HELICOPTERS HANDED OVER

The Soviet Union has formally handed over four helicopters to Bangladesh for movement of relief goods in the country. The helicopters and 30 Soviet crew members would render free services to Bangladesh government for one year to help distribution of food grains within the country.

MOSCOW TO TREAT 50 WOUNDED FREEDOM FIGHTERS

The Soviet government has decided to take 50 wounded freedom fighters to Moscow for medical treatment as a gesture of goodwill for the people of Bangladesh. Talking to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Soviet Ambassador Valentin Popov says that this decision is taken by the Soviet government in response to a request made by Prime Minister Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman early this month. He adds that the Soviet Union is very happy to provide the opportunity to the freedom fighters who fought the Liberation War of Bangladesh.

SOURCES: May 1, 1972 issues of Bangladesh Observer, Dainik Bangla and Ittefaq