DHAKA, 10 February, 2021 (TON): “Bir Uttam”, the gallantry title is on the way to be removed by the government panel.

The title conferred on the late military ruler and wartime sector commander Zia ur Rahman, after revoking his Swadhinata Padak or Independence Award.

The Jatiya Muktijoddha Council or JAMUKA has also decided to suspend the state-awarded titles for self-proclaimed Bangabandhu killers Shariful Haque Dalim, Mosleh Uddin, M Rashed Chowdhury, and SHMB Noor Chowdhury, said its Director-General Md Zahurul Islam Rhohel.

“We’ll send our proposal to the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs and they will make the final decision,” he added.

The official said, Zia is being stripped of the title for defying the constitution, assisting the self-proclaimed killers of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in fleeing the country, and posting them on important state positions.

After ‘Bir Sreshtha’, ‘Bir Uttam’ is the second-highest award for individual gallantry in Bangladesh.

The people and their families will not receive any national benefit for their contribution to the Liberation War, after this move.

Taking into consideration the records, in 2016, the 'Swadhinata Padak', or Independence Award for Gen Zia was removed from the National Museum after the Cabinet Committee on National Awards withdrew the award posthumously conferred on him, and in 2003, the award was bestowed on the country’s first military ruler.