Sheikh Mujib and over 400 leaders to lose 'Freedom Fighter' recognition

Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, Syed Nazrul Islam, Tajuddin Ahmad, and over 400 politicians elected in the 1970 elections will no longer be recognized as 'freedom fighters' (Bir Muktijoddha) for their contributions to the Liberation War. Instead, they will be designated as 'Associates of the Liberation War.'

This proposal has been included in the final draft of amendments to the existing Jatio Muktijoddha Council (Jamuka) Act. Liberation War Affairs Adviser Farooq-e-Azam on March 10 signed the resolution, which included the draft and other related matters, following a decision made in Jamuka’s 94th meeting.

The draft amendment states that not only wartime politicians but also four other categories of previously recognized freedom fighters will be reclassified as 'Associates of the Liberation War.' These groups include Bangladeshi professionals abroad who contributed significantly to the Liberation War and played an active role in shaping global public opinion, officials and employees under the Mujibnagar government who served as diplomats and other assistants during the war, all artists and crew of Swadhin Bangla Betar Kendra (the wartime radio station) along with Bangladeshi journalists who worked in favor of the Liberation War at home and abroad, and the Swadhin Bangla Football Team, which represented Bangladesh’s independence cause through sports.

According to ministry officials, if this draft is implemented, the official status of at least 10,000 freedom fighters from the existing list will be changed. They will now be recognized as 'Associates of the Liberation War' instead of 'Bir Muktijoddha' (freedom fighters).

Regarding the draft, Liberation War Affairs Advisor Farooq-e-Azam said, "Politicians will no longer be recognized as freedom fighters. Only those who fought on the battlefield with weapons will be considered Bir Muktijoddha (freedom fighters). Everyone else will be classified as 'Associates of the Liberation War'. This does not diminish anyone’s honor, and all benefits will remain the same."

He further explained, "Many people are misunderstanding this issue. Each person will be recognized according to their specific role in the Liberation War."

Initially, the definition of 'Associates of the Liberation War' included Birangonas (women who suffered wartime atrocities) and doctors and nurses from Indian refugee camps near the border. However, when asked why they were excluded from the final draft, the advisor clarified that their recognition as Bir Muktijoddha would remain unchanged.

He also mentioned that the draft has been finalized and sent to the Ministry of Law for vetting. It will soon be presented to the Advisory Council for approval as an ordinance.