January 5, 1973

TIME'S PREDICTION: BANGABANDHU WILL SWEEP POLLS

The prestigious weekly Time Magazine predicts that Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman will sweep the first general elections of Bangladesh scheduled for March 7, 1973. It writes, "Bangabandhu (Friend of the Nation) Mujib clearly still possesses the image and oratory to move the emotions of his people. Largely because of his personal mystique his Awami League seems certain to win the first national election."

PALTAN MEETING'S CALL: ESTABLISH MUJIBBAD

Speakers at a big public meeting at the Paltan Maidan today reaffirm their pledge to wipe out those elements who are maligning the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. The meeting, organised by Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL), urges the government to take effective measures against anti-people forces and foreign agents who are intent on undoing the hard-earned independence.

The meeting asks those who are responsible for initiating the slander campaign against Bangabandhu to apologise for their activities. Otherwise, the speakers warn, people would give a befitting reply.

The meeting expresses its firm determination to establish Mujibbad in the country and uphold the ideals of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

2 LAKH TONNES OF US WHEAT COMMITTED

The United States has made a fresh commitment to supply two lakh metric tonnes of wheat for Bangladesh during the next three months. The US earlier provided 750,000 tonnes of wheat to Bangladesh valued at nearly 60 million dollars. The new US offer brings the total quantity of wheat provided to Bangladesh to 950,000 tonnes.

7 BRITISH-MADE RAILWAY ENGINES HANDED OVER

Seven English electric shunting locomotives are handed over to Mansur Ali, minister for communications, today by A Golds, high commissioner for the UK in Bangladesh, at a simple ceremony held at a railway diesel shop today. A total of 26 such engines will be supplied by the British government to Bangladesh as a grant.

Source: January 6, 1973 issues of Dainik Bangla, The Bangladesh Observer and Ittefaq.