All members of Mujibnagar govt are freedom fighters: Liberation War adviser

Adviser to the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs Faruk-e-Azam has clarified that all members of the Mujibnagar Government are considered freedom fighters.

Confusion arose as the interim government revised the definition of "Freedom Fighter" and a few media outlets published news stating leaders of the Mujibnagar are not freedom fighters rather associate freedom fighters.

Meanwhile, the CA Press Wing also debunked the rumour and said the news published by several media outlets, including Samakal, Jugantor, Ittefaq, and Kaler Kantho, claiming that the liberation fighter status of over a 100 political leaders has been revoked, is completely baseless, false, and misleading.

Adviser  Faruk-e-Azam said, those who actively fought in the war and led it are recognised as freedom fighters, while the officials and staff of that government are categorised as "Associates of the Liberation War".

He further explained that, according to the ordinance of the National Freedom Fighters Council (JAMUKA), individuals such as diplomats and those involved with the Swadhin Bangla Betar Kendra (Independent Bengal Radio Center), are also recognised as associate freedom fighters.

Being classified as an "associate" does not diminish their honour or respect, he added.

He said the definition of a freedom fighter used in 1972 has been implemented.

This definition was later amended in 2018 and again in 2022. Both freedom fighters and associate freedom fighters will continue to receive equal honor, dignity, and benefits.

The interim government officially revised the definition of "Bir Muktijoddha" or freedom fighters, expanding it to include individuals who were not directly involved in combat during the 1971 Liberation War but made significant contributions in support roles, including physicians and nurses.

The changes in the definition were made under a new ordinance issued late Tuesday (3 June) night, with amendments made to the National Freedom Fighters' Council Act.

The updated definition now formally recognises medical personnel — doctors, nurses, and their assistants — who provided treatment to wounded fighters in field hospitals, as 'Bir Muktijoddha'.

Mujibnagar govt formed to lead the 1971 Liberation War

The Mujibnagar government, officially constituted on 10 April 1971, was established to lead the Bangladesh War of Liberation following the declaration of independence on 26 March 1971.

Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was named president of the Mujibnagar government, with Syed Nazrul Islam serving as vice-president and Tajuddin Ahmad as prime minister. Khondakar Mostaq Ahmad was appointed foreign minister, M Mansur Ali took charge as finance minister, and AHM Qamaruzzaman served as home minister.

During the oath-taking ceremony, a guard of honour was presented to Syed Nazrul Islam, who was appointed acting president in the absence of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, then imprisoned in Pakistan.