Morning news
9th September 1958
Centre “Completely Hostile To East Pakistan
WANTS TO SEE PROVINCE’S ECONOMY
DESTROYED’-ATA
BY A STAFF REPORTER
THE EAST PAKISTAN CHIEF MINISTER, MR. ATAUR RAHMAN KHAN, WHO RETURNED TO DACCA YESTERDAY FROM KARACHI, AFTER ATTENDING THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY SESSION, mounted a blistering attack against the Central Government immediately on arrival. He charged the Centre of being “completely hostile” to East Pakistan and or wanting to see the economy of this province “wholly destroyed.” In what was believed to be the first shot of the pre-election campaign, Mr. Khan said that the Centre did not grant any financial assistance, not even for the relief of the flood-stricken people. The Chief Minister, during his stay in the federal capital, it might be mentioned, demanded a financial aid to the tune of Rs. 15 crores from the Centre for tiding over the present economic crisis in the province. Talking to newsmen on his arrival at the Tejgaon airport, Mr. Khan presented a very gloomy picture of the economic and financial position of the province. He said that the Central Finance Minister had completely “ruined the economy of Pakistan.”
“NOT PREPARED TO BELIEVE
The Chief Minister was not prepared to “believe” that there was no money with the Central Government. The Central Government could give the money if they “liked”, he said and added, “I know wherefrom the money could be had.” Referring to the implications of the present attitude of the Centre, Mr. Ataur Rahman Khan said that it would retard the development of the province. He pointed out that in the circumstances, the Provincial Government would only run the day to day administration. “We will carry on only the routine business”, he added.
DIFFERS WITH MUJIB
When his attention was drawn is the statement of the East Pakistan Awami League general secretary, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, suggesting that the party might direct the Awami coalition Government to “quit” office if the Central Government did not concede to the demands of East Pakistan, the Chief Minister said he did not support this view. He, however, said that the East Pakistan Government would continue its fight for aid from the Centre. “After all we have assumed some responsibility,” he added. He was in favour of continuing his efforts for receiving financial aid from the Centre while continuing in office. Mr. Khan declined to comment on the “reasons” why the Centre had taken such an “unreasonable” view of the situation. He maintained that even if the Central Government did not have any money, they should find out the sources of revenue. It was entirely their responsibility because they had “ruined” the economy of the country.
DAMAGE TO ECONOMY
Pointing out the extent of damages to the economy of East Pakistan, Mr. Ataur Rahman Khan said that the loss caused by the drought amounted to Rs. 70 crores. He also said that according to the preliminary report on the floods, the damage to the Aman and Aus crops, cattle, houses, roads and bridges amounted to over Rs. 22 crores. He also hinted that suggestions were made by the Centre to float loans in the province to get money, but he was very “doubtful” if the loans would be subscribed by the people. He also rejected the plea that money could be collected by imposing more taxes on the already hard-pressed people of East Pakistan. Replying to a question, Mr. Khan said that nominees of Awami League might join the Central Cabinet after Prime Minister Malik Firoz Khan Noon returned from New Delhi. He said that he always supported the view that his party should share power at the Centre. Asked about the expansion of the Provincial Cabinet, the Chief Minister said that the present Cabinet would not be “necessarily” expanded before the commencement of the East Pakistan Assembly session. Replying to a correspondent about the possibility of a section of KSP joining the provincial cabinet, Mr. Ataur Rahman Khan said that he had no knowledge about it. He, however, added that it was a matter of “discussion.”