In 1971, Janab Malik Ghulam Jilani was a Vice Chairman of West Pakistan Awami League. After the arrest of Bangabandhu on 25 March 1971, he wrote an open letter to General Yahya Khan demanding Bangabandhu's release. In consequence, he was imprisoned. For taking a strong position for the cause of Bangaldesh despite living in Pakistan, Janab Malik Ghulam Jilani is awarded Friends of Liberation War Honour (Posthumous).