June 2, 1972

BANGABANDHU'S MEETING WITH TRADE UNION LEADERS

Representatives of 40 Tongi-based trade unions call on Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman at his official residence today. They assure the prime minister of their full support for the government's industrial development plans. The prime minister calls upon the workers to devote themselves to the task of rebuilding the nation by increasing production in all the industrial units. He also assures that all the demands of the workers will be considered with utmost sincerity.

UNROD CHIEF CALLS ON BANGABANDHU

United Nations Relief Operations in Dacca (UNROD) Chief Victor Umbricht calls on Bangabandhu today at Bangabhaban. He hands over a letter from the UN chief to the prime minister. He informs Bangabandhu about the UN's efforts to collect food aid for Bangladesh from the international community.

Later, at a press briefing session, the UNROD chief shares that the UN will provide four helicopters and eight cargo planes to expedite food distribution across the country. He expresses his confidence that the UN will be able to collect 10 lakh tonnes of additional food assistance for Bangladesh. 

BANGLADESH WELCOMES INDIRA-BHUTTO MEETING

Bangladeshi Foreign Minister Abdus Samad Azad today says in Kuala Lumpur that the upcoming meeting between Indira Gandhi and ZA Bhutto at Delhi will expedite the process of recognition of Bangladesh by Pakistan. He adds that Bangladesh wants friendship with all countries. He, however, emphasises that the trial of the war criminals will be held at any cost. The Pakistani war criminals not only committed crimes against humanity but also tarnished the image of Islam, says Abdus Samad Azad. 

The Foreign Minister is currently visiting Malaysia to discuss the country's proposal to provide economic and technical assistance to Bangladesh. Malaysia was the first Muslim country to recognise Bangladesh.

WAGE BOARD FOR WORKERS

The government is going to set up a wage board for workers, informs Finance Minister Tajuddin Ahmad today. A pay commission will also be formed to determine wages of workers who are not included in the Labour Act, he adds.

NEW TK 5 & TK 10 NOTES LAUNCHED

Bangladesh Bank releases new Tk 5 and Tk 10 notes today. The portrait of Bangabandhu is inscribed on the obverse side of the notes.

SOURCES: June 3, 1972 issue of Purbodesh.