Mujib’s appeal for safe return of Bengalees

MARCH 11, 1972

LEADING NATIONS TAKE UP REPATRIATION ISSUE

Bangabandhu's communications to the leading countries of the world to ensure the safe return of Bengalees from Pakistan have received positive response, informs Foreign Minister Abdus Samad Azad. He adds that the countries have taken up the matter seriously and they are 'very much sympathetic' towards the issue.

Four lakh Bengalees now in Pakistan are passing their days in great agony as they are subjected to various harassment and oppression. The Bengalees living in Pakistan include mostly people from the low-income group, army personnel, government officials, employees serving in private commercial firms, shopkeepers and mill workers. It is reported that Bengalees, who are in government service, are being removed from their jobs and separated from their families and kept in concentration camps.

Pakistani Newspaper Dawn reports that the Pakistan government is finalising plans to expedite the repatriation of Bengalees in Pakistan to Bangladesh.

CREDIT FACILITIES TO INDUSTRIES

Bangladesh government has decided to offer credit facilities to various industries taken over by the government through commercial banks. The credits will be of the value of stocks of finished good. Industries Minister Syed Nazrul Islam informs that the decision for extending credit facilities has been taken with a view to facilitating imports of industrial raw materials, chemicals and spare parts. This measure would meet the urgent financial requirements of the different industries, he opines.

It is reported that out of 417 abandoned industrial units so far taken over by the government, 200 have resumed production. The remaining 217 could not resume production mainly due to shortage of raw materials, spare parts and working capital.

RECOGNITION BY GREECE

Greece today recognises Bangladesh. Greek Prime Minister Georgios Papadopoulos has sent a cable to his Bangladesh counterpart Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman informing him of the decision.

PHOTOJOURNALISTS CALL ON BANGABANDHU

Members of the Dhaka Photojournalists Association and Academy call on Bangabandhu today. The prime minister tells the delegation that the system of accreditation and IB inquiry will be abolished and the photo journalists will be given permanent cards to cover all functions. He also assures the delegation that two photojournalists, selected by their association, will be taken to each foreign trip and all the news organisations will be covered by rotation.

SOURCES: March 12, 1972 issues of Dainik Bangla, The Daily Ittefaq, Azad, Morning News, The Bangladesh Observer and Purbodesh.