India to sponsor Bangladesh for UN seat
DACCA CEC. 23.-Chairman of the policy planning cell of Indian External Affairs Ministry, Mr. D. P. Dhar, said here today that India would be the first country to sponsor the case of Bangladesh for admission to the UN, says UNI.
Addressing a Press conference at the President’s House after holding talks with the Acting President Syed Nazrul Islam and Prime Minister Taj Uddin Ahmed Mr. Dhar said this step would be taken “very soon.”
Asked if India would sign a defence treaty with Bangladesh similar to the Indo-Soviet Friendship Treaty, Mr. Dahr replied that India would have no hesitation to do so if the Bangladesh Government wanted to sign such a treaty.
Replying to a question he said there was no need to sign a cultural treaty between India and Bangladesh because the ancient culture of the two countries was similar. “The two countries were one once upon a time.”
Asked if India was making any efforts to secure the release of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, he said: “We are already doing that. We have our own humble way of urging the world to ensure the release of the Sheikh Saheb.”
Mr. Dhar said India would soon open its diplomatic mission in Dacca consequent upon the recognition of Bangladesh.
“We shall have to be specially choosy in sclecting the Indian Envoy to this wonderful land.”
About the return of the refugees now in India. Mr. Dhar said that according to a plan drawn up by the Indian and Bangladesh authorities a large part of the problem of repatriation, rehabilitation and settlement of the refugees would have been accomplished by the end of February.
About Indian economic aid to help the speeds reconstruction work in Bangladesh. Mr. Dhar said India was eager to help this country with its “meagre resources because we are your neighbours and brothers.”
A joint committee of India and Bangladesh planning officials was working to determine the contents of such aid as well as its manner.
In a tribute to the freedom fighters of Bangladesh Mr. Dhar said they had won the admiration of not only the Indian people but of the entire world by their sacrifice.
Reference: Hindustan Standard 24. 12. 1971