Hamid Mir to return award to Bangladesh
Pakistani journalist Hamid Mir on Thursday announced that he will be returning an award given to his father, Waris Mir, in 2013, by Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
Speaking on a private TV channel, Mir said the award was given under false pretense that the Bangladeshi government wanted better relations with Pakistan, adding that PM Sheikh Hasina deceived the recipients of the award.
The awards were presented by the Bangladeshi premiere to honour those who had spoken against the military operation in 1971 that led to the creation of East Pakistan.
"Instead of improving relations, as promised to us, she has deteriorated them further. With these awards she has deceived us."
"The awards given to the Pakistanis, who because of their own conviction opposed the 1971 military operation, now seem like symbols of deceit."
"I am left with no choice but to say that I think, along with kind regards, we should all return these symbols of deceit (the awards) back to (PM) Hasina. I, for one, will definitely be doing so."
Mir reminisced shared history between the two countries; adding that he had travelled to Dhaka – where All India Muslim League first began – to accept the accolade on behalf of his father, assuming she wanted improved relations.
He expressed disappointment on the PM further worsening ties between the two countries instead of aiding improvement. He further added that an example of PM Hasina going back on her words is the country's refusal to send the Bangladesh cricket team to Pakistan again.
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