Dhaka, June 25 (UNB) - The government has decided to honor retired Colonel of Indian Army Ashok Tara with the ‘Friends of Liberation War Award’ in recognition of his bravery.

The decision was taken at the weekly cabinet meeting held at the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in the chair.

After the meeting, cabinet secretary Musharraf Hossain Bhuiyan said the cabinet decided to honor retired Colonel of Indian Army Ashok Tara with the award for his bravery in rescuing the family members of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman on December 17, 1971 from the captivity of Pakistan occupation army and for his contributions to the War of Liberation.

Although all the Pakistan army surrendered on December, 16, 1971, some of its members had kept Bangamata Begum Fazilatunnesa Mujib, Sheikh Hasina, Sheikh Rehana and Sheikh Russell in a house at Dhanmondi-18.

Then Major Ashok Tara, the commander of company A of 14 Guard Regiment, rescued the family members of Bangabandhu risking his own life.

He had actively taken part in the Liberation War at Dholoi, Ganga Sagar, Brahmanbaria and Bhairab.

In recognition of his bravery, the Indian government also honored him with ‘Bir Chakra’ gallantry award.