I will return award given to my father by Sheikh Hasina: Hamid Mir

Hamid Mir says Bangladeshi premiere had deceived recipients of awards

Hamid Mir, on April 27, announced that he will be returning an award given to his father, Waris Mir, in 2013, by Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

"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."

Pakistan call off Bangladesh tour

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 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.



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.

"She wants ties between Pakistan and Bangladesh to end entirely", claimed Hamid.

Earlier this week, Pakistan Cricket Board [PCB] called off their cricket tour of Bangladesh scheduled for July and August. Chairman Shehryar Khan said that Bangladesh had failed to reciprocate Pakistan’s visits with their cricket board turning down an invitation to play two T20 internationals in Pakistan.