বাংলাদেশের স্বাধীনতা যুদ্ধ দলিলপত্রঃ ত্রয়োদশ খণ্ড
Identification of Major Problems.
The most critical problem hampering the delivery of food and other supplies to disaster victims is 'that of the breakdown of transportation. This is the result of a severe shortage of coastal and river vessels and the destruction of rail and road facilities. There are additional problems to be solved. There is a great need (1) to improve the nutritional value of imported food, (2) to restore purchasing power in rural areas by reactivating the Taccaviloan system, cooperatives, and other work projects, (3) to increase input of seeds, fertilizers and equipment, and (4) to improve irrigation with emphasis on increasing the average area irrigated per pump. It has been estimated that for every ton of fertilizer not made available now, five tons of foodgrain will have to be transported later.
Transport and Distribution-Recent Breakthroughs.
On July 26, it was reported that the Government of East Pakistan had submitted a utilization plan for coastal vessels. On July 28, information was received that the Governor had appointed a coordination committee for inland water transport. The purpose of this committee is to maximize the use of available water transport facilities of East Pakistan. The GOEP has established a headquarters station for water transport functions at Narayanganj with a regional office at Chittagong. These actions are expected to aid in the proper use and coordination of chartered foreign vessels and “minibulkers" for which the use has contributed $4 million under three agreements with the Government of Pakistan. Arrangements have already been made for leasing of 26 coasters exhausting this total of $4 million provided under these three agreements. The first coaster arrived in East Pakistan to begin relief operations on August 1, and eight others are scheduled to arrive before October 1. Total capacity of these nine vessels is 6,300 tons, and it is expected they will have 3 turn-rounds per month.
UNICEF reported that 24 of its vehicles had been returned the later pan of July in good condition. They had been commandeered by the Pakistan Army.
Refugees.
As of August 6, the Government of Pakistan estimated 107,098 refugees had returned from India to Pakistan. Of this number 25,006 returned through refugee reception centers and 82,092 through “unrecognized" routes. Of the total, some 35,000 are said to be non-Muslims. Since June 10, 29 refugee centers have been established in East Pakistan by the Government.
Economy.
The economy is recovering slowly from the effects of the civil strife which started March 11 and began subsiding in June. Most factories and mills have reopened but only about 50 per cent of the labor force has returned to work. Production stands at about 40 per cent of normal. In large cities about one-third of the commerce has been resumed. Agricultural yields are expected to decrease between 10-15 per cent. The entire economy is suffering from the breakdown of the transportation and communication systems. Until there is improvement in these areas the economy will remain strapped.
