‘Work as a servant of the people’

May 4, 1972

BE AWARE OF THE CONSPIRATORS

Prime Minister Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman declares today that the machinations of the foreign agents would not be able to undo the hard-earned freedom of Bangladesh. Speaking at a meeting organised by secretariat employees, the prime minister tells them to be aware of these conspirators and prevent these elements from tarnishing the image of the country.

Bangabandhu urges government employees to devote themselves to the reconstruction of the country. He reminds them that they are not masters but servants of the people. Old bureaucratic, time-consuming methods will not just do anymore, he adds. He declares that it will be the policy of his government to ensure that the gains of independence go to the toiling masses and freedom fighters.

The government has already taken decisions to reform the administration system and set up a pay commission to improve the situation of lower-level government employees, informs the prime minister. The administrative reform commission will suggest ways to reduce the existing wide disparity among different levels of government employees. 

CONGRESS DELEGATION CALLS ON BANGABANDHU

A three-member delegation of Indian National Congress, headed by General Secretary of the Party Dr Shankar Dayal Sharma, calls on Bangabandhu today at his official residence. The delegation hands over some books and a handicraft to the prime minister. They discuss various issues relating to the mutual interest of the two neighbouring countries.

CONSUMERS CORPORATION WILL BE FORMED

The government is planning to set up Consumers Corporation to ensure proper distribution of essential everyday goods, informs Bangabandhu at the meeting of secretariat employees. The government is trying its best to improve the distribution system of these daily necessities, adds the prime minister. Three fair-price shops will be opened soon in each union and city. The government is also planning to set up permanent fair-price shops all over the country. Bangabandhu further says that the government is preparing a list of smugglers and black marketers and they will be dealt with strongly.

SUPPORT FOR MARTYRED TEACHERS' FAMILIES

The government has taken a decision to provide all kind of support including one-off cash assistance, jobs and free education for family members of the martyred teachers of private educational institutions. Under this scheme, the family of a degree college teacher will receive Tk 10,000 while a school teacher family will get Tk 3,000.   

SOURCES: May 5, 1972 issues of Ittefaq, The Bangladesh Observer, Azad, Morning News, Dainik Bangla and Purbodesh.