Gazette of 481 fake freedom fighters cancelled: Liberation war Minister

The gazette notifications of 481 fake freedom fighters who were included in the list during the previous government's tenure on political considerations have been cancelled, Liberation War Affairs Minister Ahmed Azam Khan has said.

The minister informed parliament in response to a notice from Sylhet-3 MP Md Abdul Malik during the National Parliament session on Sunday, April 5, with Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed Bir Bikram in the chair.

The MP alleged that over the last 15 years, many fake individuals were included in the freedom fighter list through false information, depriving genuine freedom fighters of state benefits. The problem has particularly affected Balaganj and South Surma areas of Sylhet.

The minister said genuine freedom fighters are the country's finest citizens, but some dishonest individuals have infiltrated the list. Identification efforts are ongoing. A sub-committee of the National Freedom Fighter Council (JAMUKA) is conducting regular hearings and verification based on complaints, and certificates and gazettes are cancelled when allegations are proven.

The minister also said the government is committed to the welfare of freedom fighters in Sylhet. Digital certificates and smart IDs will be issued soon to expatriate freedom fighters.

He also announced plans to expedite the handover of the South Surma freedom fighter complex and construct and renovate freedom fighter complexes in Balaganj and Fenchuganj.