December 29, 1972

NATION FAST RECOVERING FROM DEVASTATION

Prime Minister Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman today says the country is fast recovering from devastation and destruction wrought by the occupation of forces during the Liberation War and is making steady economic progress. While talking to the representatives of Oxfam, the prime minister focuses on the destruction and devastation in different sectors -- industrial, economic, communications, food and agriculture in particular. Talking about the national reconstruction, the prime minister says his government has attached the highest priority to the agriculture sector. Referring to the food shortage in the country, Bangabandhu says the aim of government efforts is to attain self-sufficiency in food within the shortest possible time. In this regard he mentions the import of 35,000 power pumps are intended to boost the winter crops in the country.

Bangabandhu calls for a halt to the menacing population explosion in the country and emphasises the need for family planning. He says that proper education and training of women are essential for popularising family planning in the country. He also points out that the constitution provides equal opportunities to women in the country.

GOKHALE CALLS ON PM

The visiting Indian Law Minister HR Gokhale calls on Bangabandhu at the Gono Bhaban today and stays with him for some time. They discuss various bilateral issues of the two countries.

TAJUDDIN CONDEMNS US BOMBING

Tajuddin Ahmed, minister for finance and planning, today demands an immediate halt to the renewed US bombing offensive against North Vietnam and withdrawal of the US armed forces from South Vietnam to pave the way to a lasting peace in that part of the world.

Source: December 30, 1972 issues of Dainik Bangla, The Bangladesh Observer and Ittefaq.