‘War crimes issue to be settled with Bangladesh’

July 12, 1972

PM ATTENDS OFFICE AFTER RECOVERY

Prime Minister Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman today attends his office at the secretariat after six days. Bangabandhu was suddenly taken ill with pain in the abdomen on July 5. He resumed his work at the Gono Bhaban, his official residence, on July 10.

INDIRA FOR DURABLE PEACE

Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi tells a press conference held in New Delhi today that she considers the controversy over the war crimes trial to be a bilateral matter between Bangladesh and Pakistan. She adds, "Bangladesh is primarily involved with the issue." Earlier commenting on ZA Bhutto's observation that if India hand over prisoners of war to Bangladesh for trial it would mar the chances of success of another summit, Indira Gandhi says, "There is nothing much India could do about it. The troops did surrender to a joint command and thus Bangladesh has a say in the matter."

TEESTA BRIDGE OPENS

Communication Minister M Mansur Ali today formally opens the Teesta Bridge, the third biggest railway bridge of the country, for railway traffic. The bridge was seriously damaged by the retreating Pakistan army in November last year. The 2,075 feet bridge was repaired jointly by the engineers of Bangladesh and India.

RECOGNITION BY TANZANIA

Tanzania today announces recognition of Bangladesh. So far, 78 countries have accorded recognition to the newly-independent country.

1 LAKH TUBE-WELLS FOR VILLAGES

The ministry of local government has undertaken a scheme to ensure supply of drinking water in the rural areas by sinking one lakh new tube-wells across the country. Besides, 60,000 old tube-wells which are out of commission will be repaired. 

SOURCES: July 13, 1972 issues of Bangladesh Observer, Dainik Bangla and Dainik Ittefaq.