Assassination of Bangabandhu: HC forms committee to recognize 'Resistance Fighters'

The High Court has mandated the formation of a high-level committee comprising four secretaries to pursue state recognition for the 'resistance fighters' (1975-1979), who opposed the assassination of the Father of the Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, and his family members.

The verdict was issued on Sunday (April 29) by a High Court bench led by Justice Naima Haider and Justice Kazi Zinat Hoque, concluding the final hearing of a writ petition filed by five individuals.

Lawyer Bakir Uddin Bhuiyan heard on behalf of the writ in the court, with Lawyer Kazi Tamanna Ferdous accompanying him. Deputy Attorney General Amit Dasgupta represented the state during the hearing.

The High Court outlined that the committee will comprise the Secretary of the Ministry of Liberation War, the Home Secretary, the Social Welfare Secretary, and the Finance Secretary. The committee has been tasked with submitting a report to the court by August 4. The court specified in the judgment that ongoing supervision will be maintained over the writ.

According to the writ petitioners, Bangabandhu and his family members were brutally murdered on August 15, 1975. Following this tragic event, the military government at the time banned public gatherings. However, despite this prohibition, protests against Bangabandhu's assassination erupted in various regions including Netrokona, Kishoreganj, Narsingdi, Khulna, Faridganj in Chadpur, and Gafargaon in Mymensingh. In 1975, two armed resistance groups were established, namely Jatiya Mukti Bahini and Jatiya Mujib Bahini. Thousands of students, youths, and freedom fighters who were loyal supporters of Bangabandhu joined these groups, forming an armed resistance against the ruling government.

Even after 47 years since the assassination of Bangabandhu and his family, the resistance fighters have yet to receive state recognition.