US keen to assist in creating database of freedom fighters

The United States has expressed interest in providing technical cooperation and exchanging expertise to preserve the accurate history of Bangladesh's Liberation War and create a reliable digital database of freedom fighters. US Ambassador to Dhaka Brent Christensen conveyed this interest during a meeting with Liberation War Affairs Minister Ahmed Azam Khan.

The meeting, held at the minister's office on Monday, discussed the 1971 Liberation War, preservation of the history of the July-August 2024 uprising, welfare of the families of martyrs, and treatment and rehabilitation of the injured.

During the discussion, the ministry highlighted the progress made in creating an accurate list of the true martyrs and freedom fighters of the Liberation War, noting that a universally accepted database could not be created for a long time due to the absence of specific statistical methods. Currently, under the supervision of the National Freedom Fighter Council (JAMUKA), work is underway to finalise the correct list through information technology and digital profiling.

The US Ambassador praised the government's initiatives to update the list of freedom fighters using ICT and to rehabilitate those affected by the July uprising. He said preserving history is a continuous process, and the United States is interested in providing technical cooperation and sharing experiences in this regard.

The ministry also informed that a detailed database has been created with information on 843 killed and 15,030 injured in the July mass uprising. The specialised 'July Mass Uprising Department' is working to manage this process.

The meeting was attended by Liberation War Affairs Ministry Secretary Ashraful Islam, Additional Secretary (Planning and Development) Ziauddin Ahmed, Joint Secretary (Liaison) Jehad Uddin and other concerned officials.