Dhaka: Liberation War Affairs Minister Ahmed Azam Khan announced today that the government has cancelled the gazette of 481 fake freedom fighters as part of an initiative to update the list of genuine freedom fighters. The minister made this statement in response to an emergency public notice raised by treasury bench lawmaker Mohammad Abdul Malique of Sylhet-3, during a session chaired by Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the Liberation War Affairs Ministry is actively working to identify individuals who falsely enrolled as freedom fighters and benefited from financial facilities during the previous fascist regime. The minister revealed that the government has been working to cancel these fraudulent enrollments since August 2024, with efforts continuing through March of this year, after completing the necessary verification processes.
The National Freedom Fighters Council, known as Jatiya Muktijoddha Council (JAMUKA), is an autonomous body under the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs, tasked with identifying, listing, and ensuring the welfare of freedom fighters in Bangladesh. Minister Azam emphasized that probing and hearing complaints about fake enrollments is a routine and ongoing process for JAMUKA.
When complaints about fake freedom fighters arise, a sub-committee, comprising members of the National Freedom Fighters, conducts investigations and hearings. Based on their recommendations, the government cancels the gazette of those identified as fake freedom fighters.
Furthermore, Minister Azam addressed another part of the notice, stating that the government plans to issue digital certificates and smart cards to expatriate freedom fighters. These individuals will receive formal recognition after their applications are processed.