December 25, 1972

BANGABANDHU'S JESSORE TOUR

Prime Minister Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman reiterates his firm determination to deal with miscreants and other anti-social elements with a firm hand and warns them once again that his government would not allow a handful of armed miscreants to play with the lives and security of the 75 million peace-loving people of the country. Addressing a mammoth public gathering at Jessore Stadium today the prime minister seeks public cooperation in curbing the anti-social activities of the miscreants so that people can live peacefully and engage themselves in rebuilding the war-shattered country.

Bangabandhu cautions the nation that the Pakistani collaborators are still active in the country and conspiring to sabotage the policies of the government. He asks the people to be aware of these elements and to thwart their evil design.

Visibly moved by the support of the people, the prime minister says, "I do not find words to reply when a father would come and say that he did not mind the loss of his son if I remain alive to serve the nation." Referring to the relief operation in the country and the criticism by different quarters in this regard Bangabandhu says that relief worth Tk 102 crore has been distributed and people in every nook and corner of the country received them. He also ridicules those who criticise the relief operation for the sake of criticism.  

SAMAD'S APPEAL TO US

Foreign Minister Abdus Samad today appeals to the US government to stop bombing on North Vietnam forthwith and says, "Our people cannot but condemn such acts."

He urges the Nixon administration to establish lasting peace in that part of Asia by signing the peace accord.

The foreign minister also criticises Pakistani President ZA Bhutto for his contradictory remarks on the question of resolving all outstanding disputes between the three countries in the sub-continent. Referring to Bhutto's recent stand not to recognise Bangladesh before the general elections in March, the foreign minister says if Bhutto thinks that the Awami League government will not do well in the ensuing polls then he is simply living in a fool's den. 

SOURCES: December 26, 1972 issues of Bangladesh Observer, Dainik Bangla and Dainik Ittefaq.a