Transport for home-bound evacuees promised
DACCA, JAN, 8- The Government of India has promised transport facilities to the homecoming refugees of Bangladesh today, says ENA.
On his arrival here from Calcutta, Mr. Aziz told newsmen that the communications in Bangladesh would be resumed at an early date.
The Minister said that for the re-installation of some of the big bridges, such as Hardinge Bridge foreign help would be required. Such assistance had already been sought from friendly countries. he added.
Mr. Aziz, who cut short his stay at Calcutta in anticipation of Sheik Mujibur Rahman’s arrival said he had “fruitful negotiations” with the Indian officials.
The Minister said an alternative ferry route via Monihat, about three kms, short of Faridpur, was being introduced to connect the capital with the port city of Khulna by road. Three capsized ships had blocked the former Aricha-Goalando route, requiring longer time for clearance, he added.
He expressed the hope that the newly formed Air Bangladesh International would soon start operating domestic flights. Necessary aircraft were being arranged, he added.
From Sylhet (Bangladesh) PTI writes :
The 300-yard-long “Keane Bridge” gateway to Sylhet town over the river Surma which was blasted by the retreating Pakistani Army was reopened to traffic yesterday.
The bridge was repaired by 108 Bombay Engineering Corps of the Indian Army in a record time of 14 days.
Major-Gen K. V. Krishna Rao, GOC-8 Mountain Division of the Indian Army, declared the bridge open at a brief ceremony yesterday.
Reference: Hindustan Standard, 09.01.1972