To reconstruct the shattered economy of a war ravaged country, Bangabandhu took many steps. Meetings were held, asking support from other countries and preparing plans to become self- reliant. One such plan was test-relief. In the first phase, relief worth Tk 160 million was given and the objective was to revive the battered economy of the country.
The programme also included employment for able unemployed youth and it includes improving roads, building dams, irrigation systems and other infrastructural work. As a result, farmers were relieved of giving revenue to the tune of Tk 400 million.
On Jan 13, the government waived all tax and revenue till the Bengali month of Chaitra.
Moulana Bhashani came to Tangail on this day in 1972 and was welcomed by the DC near the border.
After his arrival, many people came to see Bhashani. While meeting president of the International Catholic Charity, Bangabandhu said that aid from international agencies would be taken.
“In nine months, the brutal Pakistan army killed 3 million people, destroyed food crops and burnt 40 percent homes,” he said.
"People of all faiths live in harmony in a free Bangladesh; this is a secular country and there is not interference in someone’s faith," stated Bangabandhu.
Bangabandhu also had closed door meeting with Indian government’s special envoy, DP Dhar.
On the 75 birthday of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, Bangabandhu said in special message, “Netaji enlightened the path towards freedom in the sub continent; he is the father of independence in the sub continent; he is immortal, his legacy indelible.”
The Bangladesh government also cancelled all shipping related deals with Pakistan government, their shippers or representatives.
Meanwhile, the then industry minister Syed Nazrul Islam observed, “To ensure the masses can enjoy the fruits of political freedom, a socialist economy will soon kick off.”
At a programme, leader of the World Peace Council, madam Isabela said the brutality of the Pakistani force eclipsed the savagery of Hitler during World War II.
Newspaper clips used in this story are from the archive of International Crime Strategy Forum (ICSF)
