No perpetrator will go unpunished

May 10, 1972

BANGABANDHU'S PABNA SPEECH

On the third day of the four-day tour of North Bengal, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman today visits Pabna. He was warmly greeted by the locals. Speaking at a mammoth gathering at Pabna Stadium Bangabandhu rules out the possibility of any talks with Pakistani President ZA Bhutto before the latter recognises Bangladesh as a sovereign, independent state. He further says that Pakistan has lost prestige before the world community. As Pakistan's political master, the USA, has recognised the reality of Bangladesh, the country will follow suit whether there is any discussion or not, reiterates the prime minister. He calls upon Bhutto to immediately recognise Bangladesh and release Bangalees stranded in Pakistan. 

Bangabandhu further says that the trial of war criminals will be held in Bangladesh at any cost. The brutality committed by the Pakistan army and their collaborators during the Liberation War will not go unpunished, he adds. The prime minister appeals to the civilised countries to support Bangladesh's decision to try the members of Pakistan army who committed crimes against humanity and says that these war criminals are worse than Nazis.

Referring to the post-war crisis, Bangabandhu says that production in agricultural and industrial units must be increased to overcome the current situation. He urges the people to devote themselves to this effort. 

CHANGE BUREAUCRATIC MINDSET

In an order issued by Bangabandhu today the government officials are asked to change their bureaucratic mindset, eliminate red-tapism and thus reduce hassles faced by common people. While Bangabandhu was visiting from Bogura to Rajshahi today he found the embankment surrounding the Rajshahi city in a dilapidated situation. He made an immediate inquiry and came to know that the file of the embankment repair project had been sitting at the government office collecting dust. Bangabandhu ordered the local authority to take immediate action to repair the embankment.

MALDIVES RECOGNISES BANGLADESH

Maldives today informs Bangladesh's foreign ministry about its decision to accord recognition to the newly-independent Bangladesh. Maldives is the fourth Muslim country to recognise Bangladesh. So far 69 countries have recognised Bangladesh. 

ABANDONED SHOPS OPENS

Abandoned shops and business organisations in the capital open today. These properties were taken into government custody as the lawful owners had been found absent after the end of the Liberation War.  

SOURCE: May 11, 1972 issue of Dianik Bangla.