June 30, 1972

BUDGET FOR RECONSTRUCTION

Finance Minister Tajuddin Ahmad presents to the nation today the first budget of Bangladesh. He describes it as the budget for development, rehabilitation and reconstruction which seeks to narrow the gap between lower and higher income groups, revitalise rural economy, achieve self-sufficiency in food production, increase growth rate, and ensure equitable distribution keeping in the forefront the task of laying the foundations of a socialist society, free of exploitation. The total size of the national budget is Tk 786 crores -- Tk 285 crores representing revenue budget and Tk 501 crores development budget.

In his budget speech Tajuddin Ahmad calls upon the people to prepare themselves to progressively bear the cost of development and to base it on the country's own resources. He says, "Whatever might be the size of the plan, ultimately its success will be measured by the extent to which it will be implemented. This can only be assured by a massive collective effort of disciplined people." He urges the people to respond to Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's call and move forward together to build 'Shonar Bangla'.     

SUBIMAL DUTTA CALLS ON BANGABANDHU

Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Subimal Dutta calls on Prime Minister Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman today at this official residence. It is understood that they discuss issues related to the ongoing Simla Talk.

INDIRA-BHUTTO THINK TALKS GOING WELL

Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and Pakistan President Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto hold a discussion at Simla today for about 45 minutes in a bid to sort out differences on substantive Indo-Pak issues which the officials had failed to iron out. Both Indira and Bhutto present an optimistic face when journalists ask them about the conference. The heads of the states will meet again tomorrow evening.

PM'S MEET WITH PEOPLE SUSPENDED

Bangabandhu's weekly meeting with the common people at Ganabhaban on Friday afternoons shall remain suspended until further notice, according to an announcement by the PM's secretary issued today. The announcement says that this decision is taken owing to heavy the heavy work load of the prime minister.

SOURCES: July 1, 1972 issues of The Bangladesh Observer, Dainik Bangla and Dainik Ittefaq.