No negligence in finalizing freedom fighters’ list

Even after 53 years of independence, the final list of freedom fighters has not been completed, which is indeed a regrettable matter for the nation. The number of fake freedom fighters remains unknown. There are allegations that fake freedom fighters are still receiving various government allowances and benefits. In this context, the interim government has announced its intention to identify fake certificate holders and finalize the list of freedom fighters. Those concerned say that during the 15 years of the Awami League's rule, many fake freedom fighters were issued certificates, and many influential individuals from the ruling party were involved in this.

Valiant freedom fighters and related individuals say that even after more than half a century since independence, there is still no accurate and a controversy-free list of the heroes of the Great Liberation War. The definition of a freedom fighter has been changed several times. They describe this situation as unfortunate for the nation and disrespectful to the freedom fighters.

In a report published on Monday (December 16), it was revealed that the definition of a freedom fighter is being changed again. According to the proposed new definition, only those who directly participated in the Liberation War will be considered as brave freedom fighters. Meanwhile, individuals who played a role in shaping global public opinion, officials and employees of the Mujibnagar government, those providing medical services, artists, and others who contributed in various ways to the war effort will be proposed as 'war auxiliaries.' At the same time, there may be changes to the minimum age requirement for becoming a freedom fighter, which could now be as low as 13 years old.

Ministry sources report that since independence, the definition and criteria for a freedom fighter have been changed 11 times. Meanwhile, additions and deletions have been made to the list of brave freedom fighters seven times. We hope that this time will be the final one. If we are unable to finalize the definition and list of freedom fighters after 53 years, it will be an extremely unfortunate matter for the nation. At the same time, the Liberation War should be made universal, irrespective of political party, so that no particular party can use the war for its own purposes. Strict laws should be enacted to prevent this.

The government has decided to display the list of gazetted freedom fighters in public places. In addition to the notice boards in government offices at each district and upazila, this list will be put up in public spaces. After verification, if any complaint is proven, the relevant person's freedom fighter gazette and certificate will be revoked, so that the local community can be informed about the brave freedom fighters. If there are any accusations of being a 'non-freedom fighter' or a 'fake freedom fighter,' any citizen can file a complaint regarding the matter.

We commend this initiative; however, the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs has also stated that the government will not engage in creating a list of collaborators (Rajakars). Even though the final list of collaborators may not be published, we urge that the identified collaborators' list be made public. Otherwise, traitorous Rajakars will continue to enjoy various state benefits. Even if the list of Rajakars is not posted in public places, the government should certainly maintain a list of identified Rajakars. It is true that, after all these years and several political changes, this task may be difficult, but there are still many freedom fighters and people from the Liberation War period alive today, so creating a preliminary list of collaborators shouldn't be too hard.

Ultimately, we want to ensure that no negligence occurs in finalizing the correct list of freedom fighters this time. If there is neglect again in finalizing the list, it may never be corrected in the future.