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Dutchman among the war heros

By Staff Correspondent
A Netherlands born Australian, who had helped the Mukti Bahini (freedom fighters) during the War of Liberation, was among the 675 persons awarded for’gallantry.
W A Ouderland, who lives in Parth, Australia with his family received his Bir Pratik award Monday through his war-time aide K M Abdul Hai from Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia who distributed the medals at a function at the North Plaza of the J atty a Sangsad building.
Ouderland had served as Managing Director of Bata Shoe Co. (Bangladesh) Ltd. from 1971 to 1978.
"I'm so excited it's a great day for me. I wish I could fly to Dhaka" Ouderland told Hai on
being informed of the function over telephone this week.
A Director at Bata Shoe. Hai helped Ouderland in supplying intelligence on Pakistan army military operations against the Mukti Bahini. Ouderland used to send his information to Mukti Bahini commanders, including Gen MAG Osmani. the Supreme Commander.
Ouderland also helped the Mukti Bahini materially, especially by supplying shoes to the freedom fighters. Ouderland. in his 70s recently retired from his long career as a • Bata executive.
Blr Pratik awards were given to those war heroes who displayed indomitable courage In the battlefield. The other awards were Blr Shrestha, Bir Uttam and Blr Bikram.
The Blr Shrestha awards were givep to seven valiant freedom fighters who died in military operations against the Pakistan army that cracked down on Bangladesh on March 25. 1971.
The seven were: Capt. Mo hiuddin Jahangir. Lance Nayek Munshi Abdur Rab. Sepoy Ha-mldur Rahman, Sepoy Moha mmad Mostafa, Engineroom Artfftcler Mohammad Ruhul Amin, Ft. Lt. Matlur Rahman and Lance Nayek Noor Mohammad.
Though relatives would receive the awards for the seven Blr Shresthas every year, this was for the first time that the government distributed medals to the recipients of Bir Uttam, Blr Bikram and Blr Pratik awards.
The Blr Uttam award of assassinated president Ziaur Rahman was received by his eldest son Tarek Rahman
An applause from the audl ence greeted Tarek as he climbed the rostrum to receive the medals from his Prime Minister mother.