August 18, 1972

EDWARD HEATH CALLS ON BANGABANDHU

British Prime Minister Edward Heath calls on Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman at the latter's hotel suite today. Coming out of Bangabandhu's room at Hotel Claridges, Heath tells newsmen that he has had 'very good talks' with the Bangladesh prime minister. The British prime minister declines to comment further on their meeting. Although nothing precise is available to the press about the talk, it is understood that the two leaders discusses matters of mutual interest besides exchanging views on international issues with reference to the situation in the subcontinent. It is also believed that the two leaders have had a discussion on the relationship between Bangladesh and Pakistan.

STEPS TO AVERT GRAVE FOOD CRISIS UNDERWAY

Food Minister Phani Bhushan Majumdar today claims that there is a "satisfactory food stock" and the government can avert possible famine conditions forecast by many both inside and outside the country. But at the same time, he admits that the food situation is grave and would not contradict newspaper reports about hunger marches.

It is reported that price of rice and other essentials commodities have registered a rise during the last fortnight in various parts of Bangladesh. The reasons for the rise in price of rice are attributed to floods and lack of proper communication.

The Cabinet meets today at the Secretariat with acting Prime Minister Syed Nazrul Islam in the chair. The meeting is understood to have discussed among other things the food situation in the country.  

SOVIET UNION TO IMPORT JUTE FROM BANGLADESH

The Soviet Union will import jute worth Tk 2.15 crore from Bangladesh, informs the Soviet ambassador in Bangladesh today. He further informs that a Soviet ship has already reached the Chittagong Port to carry the purchased raw jute.

SOURCES: August 19, 1972 issues of Bangladesh Observer, Dainik Bangla and Dainik Ittefaq.