1.
GV Awami League volunteers lined up
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2.
SV Mujib arrives
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3.
SV & CU Children's Corps with wooden guns and captured Pakistani steel helmets (2 shots)
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4.
CU Mujib puts on Awami League hat
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5.
CU & SV Child soldier watches as Mujib raises flag (2 shots)
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6.
SV Mujib gives shields to volunteers (3 shots)
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Initials BB/1632 RPM/MR/BB/1645



Script is copyright Reuters Limited. All rights reserved

Background: In Bangladesh, Prime Minister Sheikh Mujibur Rahman made the first annual presentation of two "freedom shields" on Wednesday (March 14) to two units of the Awami League Volunteer Corps.

During the presentation, the Awami League units were cited for their outstanding role in last year' struggle against the Pakistan Army.

The Bangladesh government plans to award the shields on a yearly basis to those individuals or groups who have made the most constructive contribution towards the welfare of the new nation.

SYNOPSIS: In the Bangladesh capital of Dacca, two units of the Awami League Volunteer Corps were presented on Wednesday with the first "freedom shield" awards for outstanding service against the Pakistani Army. On hand to make the presentation was the Bangladesh Prime Minister, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, who cited the units' contribution in last year's struggle for independence.

Present too were members of the League's Children's Corps, complete with wooden rifles and captured Pakistani helmets. The Prime Minister, who also heads the Awami League Party, received an official volunteer hat.

The government plans to award the freedom shields annually for outstanding contributions to the country's well-being.

After the official presentation Sheikh Mujib addressed the volunteers on their new role in the reconstruction of their war-torn nation.