December 26, 1972

BANGABANDHU'S SPEECH AT RAJENDRA COLLEGE, FARIDPUR

Prime Minister Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman once again asks Pakistan President ZA Bhutto to stop bargaining with the fate of four lakh Bangalees stranded in Pakistan. "Despite Bhutto's shouting, Pakistani war criminals will be tried on the soil of Bangladesh if I am alive," the prime minister says.

Addressing a huge public meeting today at Faridpur Rajendra College ground the prime minister asks the people to be self-reliant and work hard to build a happy and prosperous society. He adds that a self-respecting nation cannot afford to depend longer on charity and relief from foreign countries.

The prime minister mentions the food deficit of seven and a half crore maunds, which has been met mostly by imports from India, Soviet Union, the United States, Canada and other friendly countries. He urges farmers to boost production of food grains to avoid recurrence of such a colossal food deficit.  

Bangabandhu reiterates his government's determination to wipe out the armed miscreants and anti-social elements who have been harassing the peace-loving citizens. He cautions the people that Pakistani agents and collaborators of certain foreign powers are active inside the country to jeopardise the hard-earned independence. He declares that if necessary, the army will be deployed to crush these armed hooligans.

Referring to ensuring the general elections, which will be the first in free Bangladesh, the prime minister says that people have confidence in him. "I will quit the post of prime ministership if my people want me to do so," declares Bangabandhu.

The prime minister returns to Dhaka today evening after a two-day tour of Jessore and Faridpur districts.

SOURCES: December 27, 1972 issues of Bangladesh Observer, Dainik Bangla and Dainik Ittefaq.