A hospital for evacuees
By A Staff Reporter, BONGAON, JULY 19 – Inaugurating a ten-bed hospital set up by the Ananda Bazar Patrika group of newspapers here today, Mr. Hossain Ali, chief of the Bangladesh mission, asked the international community to exert pressure on Pakistan to ensure just and permanent solution to the problems of Bangladesh precipitated by Pakistan’s intervention.
The hospital has been set up to render medical aid to the evacuees. The Bangladesh Red Cross Society, National Medical College and Jatiya Krira O Sakti Sangha are also associated with the project. Evacuee doctors from Bangladesh will treat the patients but the assistance of eminent Indian specialists will be available whenever necessary.
Mr. Hossain Ali said that stop-gap arrangements were no answer to the plight of the people of Bangladesh. A sovereign Bangladesh was a reality and no nation could possibly ignore this for an indefinite period.
He made a special request to Mrs. Thaw the representative of the International Rescue Committee present at the inaugural ceremony to ask the US Government through her organization to stop helping Pakistan, guilty of genocide in Bangladesh. “Please ask the USA not to help Pakistan to kill and destroy hut to help us.” He said.
Mrs. Ali also said that as she had seen the plight of the evacuees she would try to convince her Government to see the reasons which led to such a massive influx.
Mrs. Ali with her daughters Mrs. Osman Choudhuri accompanied Mr. Hossain Ali.
Representatives of the Ananda Bazar Patrika group of papers organized the function.
Mr. Sudhansu Kumar Basu, Hindustan Standard presided over the ceremony Narrating his experience during his recent visit to the capitals of some Southeast Asian countries, Mr. Basu said that what struck him most in these countries was a genuine concern of the people for the happenings in Bangladesh.
In this context Mr. Basu said the press had done a magnificent job to present the events of Bangladesh in their true perspectives.
In South Vietnam, Hongkong, Bangkok – everywhere people were eager to know more about Bangladesh. They were also concerned at the problems facing India following the heavy influx of evacuees. Will India be able to tackle the problem single – handedly? How was the question of Bangladesh going to be resolved ? What next? These were the questions in everybody’s lips.
Mr. Basu also the people of these countries were raising funds to give relief to Bangladesh evacuees in India.
Referring to the project initiated by the Ananda Bazar Patrika group of newspapers Mr. Basu said that this was a humble effort but it reflected genuine sympathy and concern for the people of Bangladesh.
Dr. Ashadul Haque, a representative of the Bangladesh Red Cross Society wanted his organization to be associated with the humanitarian work among the evacuees in India.
Mr. Kamal Nasker, ADM, Bongaon said the Administration could maintain peace and order in the area in spite of an unprecedented influx of evacuees primarily because of sincere cooperation from the people.
The Chief of the Bangladesh mission Mr. Hossain Ali, in his address stressed the need for a pivotal role in getting world opinion for justice.
Mr. Hossain Ali, appealed to India to show the people of the world how a brute force had been let loose in Bangladesh to indulge in mass killing and mass evacuation, adds PTI.
Mr. Ali said the people of Bangladesh were grateful to the Government and the people of India for the way they understood the cause of the freedom-fighters of the country. He hoped that India would be able to apprise other nations of the world of the factors behind the liberation struggle in his country, he said.
Three Bangladesh evacuees, who were being treated for bullet injuries in the hospital at the firing, witnessed the inauguration Ceremony. Kids in birthday suits stood at the window sill. All of them are victims of Pak atrocities in Bangladesh.
A portrait of Sheikh Mujibur Rahaman with his hand raised, hung on the wall. His favorites and now the Bangladesh National song – “Amar Sonar Bangla Ami Tomay Bhalobashi” – was sung. Those who were present at the ceremony stood up.
Mrs.Hossain Ali distributed fruits to the patients and inquired into their sufferings.
Reference: Hindustan Standard, 20.07.1971