DACCA: Prime Minister Mujibur Rahman yesterday [Feb 4] warned the youth of Bangladesh to be vigilant against conspirators trying to undermine the country’s sovereignty. Sheikh Mujib, addressing the first annual congress of the Awami Juba League — youth organ of the ruling Awami League — stressed the need for national unity. He repeatedly mentioned strife and dissension within the party and called on members to “bury your hatchets and stand united”. The Prime Minister said some elements in the country had not given up their sympathy for Pakistan and warned them: “I can give you amnesty and also send you to the gallows.”

[Meanwhile, as reported by news agencies from London,] Britain has agreed to give the United States extended naval, air base and communication facilities on the tiny Indian Ocean island [of] Diego Garcia, British officials said yesterday [Feb 4]. An official announcement of the agreement which will enable the United States to keep a close watch on the expanding penetration of the Soviet Navy into the Indian Ocean will be made later this week, they said. … The United States is to help extend the existing, smaller facilities at the cost of some 20 million dollars, they said.

Published in Dawn, February 6th, 2024