Jan 19, 1972: 'Bangladesh will follow democracy, secularism and socialism'

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Udisa Islam
Published : 23:34, Jan 19, 2020 | Updated : 23:36, Jan 19, 2020

During an interview given to East German radio on Jan 19, 1972, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman reminded that Bangladesh will follow democracy, secularism and socialism.

On this day, an emotional message came to Bangabandhu from Indira Gandhi who sent the message while travelling over the skies of independent Bangladesh.
Bangabandhu gave a few interviews where he highlighted the importance of Rabindranath Tagore and assured support for the visually impaired people of the country.
He expressed gratitude to East Germany, the Soviet Union and European countries for support during the war.
“We are grateful to India and her leader Indira Gandhi for the support.”
At this time, he also said that plans are underway to rehabilitate returnees from India.
On Jan 20, Dainik Bangla ran a report saying that Abu Sayeed Chowdhury agreed to become president only on the condition that Bangabandhu would be prime minister.
The report said that when approached, Abu Sayeed was surprised and said: “I am not capable for this post to which Bangababdhu reportedly replied: “You may not be aware of your capabilities but we know how suitable you are.”
Abu Syeed Chowdhury told the reporter: “When Bangabandhu told him that he was thinking of making some other person the PM, he said that if Bangabandhu became the PM, he would agree to take the post of president.”
The government decided not to give loans for cars and homes while Bangladesh Bank withdrew restrictions on loans.
Decision was taken for Bangabandhu to visit India on Feb 6. United News of India said that Indira Gandhi will welcome Bangabandhu and on Feb 7 he will visit a few refugee camps.
While flying over Bangladesh, Indira Gandhi sent a message to Bangabandhu and in response Bangabandhu said: “The people of Bangladesh hold you in deep respect and want to see you among them.”
Indira Gandhi’s message read: “I am flying over golden Bengal and express my unity with her great people.”
After swearing in new ministers, Bangabandhu is believed to have said that guns are not always the source of power.
“During the war of independence it has been proved that the people are the main talisman. The Pakistan army looted my home and took me away but could not disassociate me from my people.”
A memorandum was presented to Bangabandhu from the visually impaired as around 250 persons with visual difficulty met the leader. The memorandum said that there are more than 700,000 blind people in the country who face prejudice, lack of skill development etc. Bangabandhu listened to their grievances and promised to take proper steps.
On this day, writer Maitrei Devi also met Bangabandhu. Talking about Tagore, Bangabandhi said: “Pakistan government could not give him the proper respect and now we will ensure Tagore’s recognition.”

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