Bangladesh revolt

Press, 3 June 1981, Page 20

Bangladesh revolt

Citizens of Bangladesh who live in Christchurch have been deeply shocked by the assassination of the country’s President, Mr Ziaur Rahman, according to a member of the Bangladeshi community here. Dr M. N. Nabi, who studied entomology at Lincoln College, and has lived in Canterbury for seven years, said he and other Bangladesh is condemned the act of terrorism. “President Ziaur Rahman was a military man, but during his time in office he tried to help Bangladesh to progress by combatting illiteracy, working towards making the country self-sufficient in food, and by improving the country’s reputation with other countries.” said Dr Nabi. “He was reputed

to be a very honest and hard working head of State.” . Dr Nabi said the reason for a revolt by a group of army officers headed by Major-Gen-eral Manzur Ahmed was not clear. It had been suggested this week that General Manzur was a pro-Chinese officer. However, a few weeks ago Indian naval units had been reported in the Bay of Bengal hot far from Chit/agong where the revolt and assassination took place. So far there was no clear link between India and the revolt. “Whether the rebels are proIndian or pro-Chinese, the suffering of the people is obvious,” said Dr Nabi. “This sort of terrorism brings instability and sets back development.”