The committee took the decision at a meeting presided over by Finance Minister AMA Muhith on Wednesday. The committee has also proposed removing the medal and certificate related to the Swadhinata Padak, or Independence Award, from the National Museum. The then opposition leader and Bangabandhu's daughter Sheikh Hasina, now prime minister, had protested the move at the time. The Cabinet committee's proposal to withdraw the late military dictator Gen Zia's award will be sent to the prime minister for final clearance now. It also said the Independence Award, the highest civilian award of the country, is given to a limited number of individuals or organisations that have played extraordinary roles in the history of the country and in promoting people's welfare.

Source: bd News24 August 27, 2016 18:43 UTC