December 14, 1972       

CONSTITUTION AUTHENTICATED

Formalities for the commencement of the constitution of the People's Republic of Bangladesh on December 16 are being undertaken by the Gono Parishad (Constituent Assembly) at its two-day special session. This morning, Speaker Mohammadullah puts his signature to authenticate the constitution. The speaker then calls upon Prime Minister Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman to put his signature on the original Bangla copy and on its English translation.

After signing the constitution, Bangabandhu says, "I am a proud man today. Our people are proud too at this moment."

He further adds, "Our people for the last 25 years had been yearning for a supreme law for the conduct of their own affairs. Now that has been achieved by them within a short period of 11 months of the Liberation."

Suranjit Sengupta abstains from signing the document. Manabendra Larma, an independent member for Chittagong Hill Tracts, has not joined the session.

BANGABANDHU'S CALL TO ARMED FORCES

In a message on the occasion of the publication of the Banglar Beer Senani by the Inter-Services Public Relations to commemorate the first anniversary of the victory against Pakistani occupation forces,  Bangabandhu calls upon the armed forces of Bangladesh to devote themselves to building an exploitation-free society in the country on the basis of the four principles of the state. Bangabandhu also urges them to stand by the side of their countrymen in rebuilding the devastated Bangladesh.

BANGLADESH-USSR 20M POUND CREDIT ACCORD SIGNED

A credit agreement of 20 million pounds is signed today between Bangladesh and the USSR. According to the agreement, the Government of the USSR would supply Bangladesh tractors and agricultural machinery, aircraft, helicopter equipment and also materials for roads, highways and ship building. The Soviet Union would buy traditional items such as jute from Bangladesh.

SOURCES: December 15, 1972 issues of Bangladesh Observer, Dainik Bangla and Dainik Ittefaq.