December 20, 1972

FRIENDSHIP WILL GROW

Prime Minister Sheikh Mujibur Rahman today expresses his confidence that the bond and deep understanding that exist between Bangladesh and the Soviet Union will grow stronger in the years to come.

Bangabandhu in a message of felicitations to the Soviet Prime Minister AN Kosygin on the historic occasion of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the Union of the Soviet Socialist Republic wishes progress and prosperity of the people of the Soviet Union.

Soviet Ambassador Popov calls on Prime Minister Sheikh Mujibur Rahman at the Gono Bhaban today.

BHUTTO'S NEW CONDITION FOR RECOGNITION

Pakistan President Zulfikar Ali Bhutto says in an interview with French newspaper Le Monde that all outstanding questions raised by the Indo-Pakistan war a year ago must be solved before his government could recognise the new nation of Bangladesh.

It may be mentioned here that the withdrawal of Indian and Pakistani troops to their sides of the international border in conformity with the Simla Agreement has been completed.

HOME MINISTER SERVES LEGAL NOTICE ON BHASHANI, SANGBAD, GONOKANTHA

Home Minister Abdul Mannan today serves legal notice on Maulana Bhashani and the editors, printers and publishers of The Sangbad and The Gonokantha to 'issue retraction' and apologise within 24 hours for the allegations of misappropriation of public funds and acquisition of property.

The allegations against Abdul Mannan were attributed to Maulana Bhashani and were published in the Sangbad and The Gonokantha on December 19, 1972.

TRADE AGREEMENT WITH BULGARIA

Bulgaria and Bangladesh have signed a trade agreement for 1973 envisaging an increase of 30 percent in commercial exchanges.

Source: December 21, 1972 issues of Dainik Bangla, The Bangladesh Observer and Ittefaq.