Dhaka: Liberation War Affairs Minister Ahmad Azam Khan on Sunday announced that the process for taking action against politically enlisted non-freedom fighters has commenced following their identification. ‘From August 2024 to March 2026, the gazettes of a total of 481 non-freedom fighters across the country have been cancelled following investigation and verification,’ he stated in Parliament.
According to United News of Bangladesh, the minister revealed this information while responding to a notice submitted under Rule 71 by treasury bench member elected from Sylhet-3 Md. Abdul Malik. In his notice, Malik alleged that during the previous government, numerous fake freedom fighters were enlisted through political influence. This, he said, deprived genuine freedom fighters of their rightful recognition while dishonest individuals reaped state benefits by providing false information.
Malik particularly highlighted that these irregularities had a significant impact in the Balaganj and Dakshin Surma areas of Sylhet. Responding to these allegations, the Liberation War Affairs Minister affirmed that freedom fighters are the nation’s greatest sons, yet some opportunists managed to get enlisted through dishonest means. He assured that the process of identifying them is ongoing.
The minister added that sub-committees of the Jatiya Muktijoddha Council are conducting regular hearings and verifications based on complaints. If allegations are proven, the certificates and gazettes of the concerned individuals are being cancelled. Recalling the contribution of freedom fighters from the Sylhet region, he emphasized the government’s commitment to the welfare of freedom fighters in the area, which is closely associated with the memories of Liberation War Commander-in-Chief General MAG Osmani and former Navy Chief Mahbub Ali Khan.
He also mentioned that necessary steps will be taken to provide digital certificates and smart ID cards to freedom fighters living abroad who have not yet received them. Responding to the lawmaker’s demand, the minister assured that the Dakshin Surma Freedom Fighters Complex will be handed over soon, while the construction and renovation of freedom fighters complexes in Balaganj and Fenchuganj upazilas are under government planning.
The minister further reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring proper respect and facilities for freedom fighters. He added that he will soon visit historical Liberation War sites in Sylhet and collect information from local representatives to take necessary measures.