"Yesterday's (Wednesday's) removal of the Independence Award of the brave war hero Ziaur Rahman Bir Uttam...the beloved leader of the people, was a result of political vengeance," Mirza Fakhrul said. He said the decision "not only played Zia down, but is also contemptible for those with outstanding contribution in the struggle for independence". The Awami League government has proved that they had no relations with the “real Liberation War", the BNP leader said. Mirza Fakhrul termed the 'snatching away' of Zia's award 'the worst decision' in Bangladesh's political history. Liberation War Sector Commander Gen Zia introduced the 'Swadhinata Padak' or Independence Award, Bangladesh's highest civilian award, in 1977 after becoming president.

Source: bd News24 September 08, 2016 15:22 UTC