August 8, 1972

Shamsuddoza Sajen

BANGABANDHU’S DIRECTIVE

Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman has expressed his deep sympathy for the flood-affected people of Bangladesh and instructed the government to undertake relief work on an emergency basis. In a message to the acting Prime Minister Syed Nazrul Islam from his sick bed in London Clinic, Bangabandhu said all resources should be mobilised for the relief of the suffering people. He added that money should not be a problem and asked the cabinet ministers to visit the affected areas and remain there for relief work. He further directed that all means of communication, including planes, should be commissioned in the task of relief operation on priority basis.

UN MEMBERSHIP SOUGHT

Bangladesh formally forwards her application for the UN membership in a cable to the UN Secretary General Kurt Waldheim today. Bangladesh has so far been recognised by 86 members of UN. The date for moving the application was approved by the cabinet yesterday. Prime Minister Sheikh Mujibur Rahman has given his concurrence.

Bangladesh Foreign Minister Abdus Samad Azad has requested the UN Secretary General to place the application before the Security Council. The Security Council is meeting this month while the General Assembly session will begin next month. The foreign minister has also sent appeals to all members of the UN seeking their support for Bangladesh’s membership in the UN.