“We believe in peaceful co-existence”

MARCH 27, 1972

NON-ALIGNED FOREIGN POLICY DECLARED

Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman today spells out the non-aligned  and positive neutral foreign policy of Bangladesh and says, "We are  dedicated to seeking peace and to keeping ourselves out of big power  politics and conflicts." He adds, "We believe in peaceful co-existence  and are eager to establish friendly relations with our neighbours."

The prime minister further says that assistance from any country  which wants to help Bangladesh will be accepted. But he adds that such  help must be unconditional and must be extended on the basis of respect  of people's sovereignty and equality of status, and on the basis of  non-interference in our national affairs. 

BHUTTO THREATENS TO HOLD BANGALEES HOSTAGE

Pakistan President ZA Bhutto has threatened to hold Bangalees in his  country hostage for the return of the 93,000 Pakistani prisoners of  war. In an interview with Kuldip Nayar, resident editor of the Delhi  Statesman, Bhutto says, "I have let the nightingale out of the cage. Now  I can only equate prisoners of war with Bangalees. I hope it will not  have to be done. But I have nothing in my hands."

BANKING SYSTEM REORGANISED

Bangladesh Bank today announces details of the reorganisation of all  old commercial banks in Bangladesh falling within the nationalisation  scheme of the government, and says that the assets and liabilities of  these banks have been taken by the six newly established  government-owned banks. 

TELECOM ACCORD WITH INDIA SIGNED 

A telecommunication agreement between Bangladesh and India is signed  today. Under this agreement, an ordinary telegram from Bangladesh to  India containing seven words or less will cost Tk 1.33. An extra 19  paisa will be charged for each additional word. 

DISTRIBUTION OF SURPLUS LAND SOON

Agriculture Minister Sheikh Abdul Aziz discloses today that  distribution of surplus land from owners having more than 100 bighas  among the small and landless peasants will begin soon. The highest  ceiling fixed by the government for a family is 100 bighas of land. 

417 DIE OF POX 

Small pox has broken out in epidemic form in different parts of  Faridpur and Barisal districts. The civil surgeon of Faridpur informs  that he can confirm 193 deaths in Gopalganj and 32 deaths in Madaripur  subdivisions so far. Health officials from Barisal confirm 192 deaths of  small pox in the district.

SOURCES: March 28, 1972 issues of Ittefaq, The Bangladesh Observer, Azad, Morning News, Dainik Bangla and Purbodesh.