Letters and memoranda were sent to the US Government and the members of the US Congress, requesting suspension of all types of US aids to the Government of Pakistan with immediate effect and to help sop the genocide. The representatives of the League personally met almost all the Ambassadors of the Member States of the United Nations and requested them to condemn the atrocities to the West Pakistani troops in East Bengal and sought support for the realization of the right of selfdetermination of the people of Bangladesh of its Government.
Telegrams were also sent to Mr. U Thant, Secretary General of the UN, requesting him to intervene in the crisis, in compliance with the article 99 of the UN Charter; he was also requested to send an UN observer and sponsor an UN supervised relief operation in Bangladesh. Several attempts were made in vain to have a personal interview with Mr. Thant.
ORGANIZATIONAL ACTIVITIES: A Relief Committee of Bangladesh was formed with Mr. Nurul Amin Chowdhury as Chairman in a meeting on March 30. The Action Committee, formed earlier, was enlarged in a meeting on April 4, 1971. On April 25, an Election Determination Committee was formed in view of the next general election of the League with Mr, Shahadat Ilussain as Chairman.
CHAPTER NEWS
-Greater Washington D. C. Chapter of Bangladesh League of America is in lull swing of their activities to further the cause of Bangladesh. The Chapter has launched a vigorous lobbying campaign in the US Congress everyday as a routine, a group of League members alternatively contact the Senators and Congressmen with relevant literature to prove our cause for Bangladesh. The response to this efforts is highly fruitful and effective. The League in collaboration with the local chapter of Bangladesh Friendship Association and American University arranged a seminar for Joyprakash Narayan, the Sarvoday leader from India. It may also be mentioned that the League has waged an impressive fund raising drive. In a general meeting of the League, it was agreed that each member of the League would contribute at least 5% of one's salary each month to the League Account. The response to this commitment is highly favorable.
-Dr. Badruddoza of Mason City, Iowa organized a TV Programme in the local channel where he explained the events led to the declaration of independence by the people of Bangladesh. He also arranged sending more than 40 telegrams by his local American friends to American Senators and Congressmen.
-A panel discussion on Bangladesh was held in the International House, Columbia University, in the last week of April, 1971. Mr. & Mrs. Baman Basu, Dr. Rashiduzzaman and others participated in the discussion. After the discussion it was resolved that a fund would be raised from the members of the International IIouse to help the - War victims in Bangladesh.
-Dr. Zillur Rahman Alhar. Dr. Habibur Rahman, Dr. Yunus, Dr. Ismail and others from Nashville, Tennesee, arranged a TV programme in their local channel where they gave vivid accounts of the army led blood baths in Bangladesh.
