Fact check: News of revoking freedom fighter status of over 100 political leaders including Mujib fake, says CA press wing
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 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Jugantor, Ittefaq, and Kaler Kantho, claiming that the liberation fighter status of over a 100 political leaders has been revoked, is completely baseless, false, and misleading, said the CA Press Wing.
The news claimed that according to the new definition of "Freedom Fighter" many, including the president of the Mujibnagar Government Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, acting president Syed Nazrul Islam, prime minister Tajuddin Ahmad, and ministers Md Mansur Ali and AHM Qamaruzzaman, cannot be called freedom fighters.
According to a Facebook status of the CA Press Wing, Faruk-e-Azam, an advisor to the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs, clarified that all members of the Mujibnagar Government are considered freedom fighters.
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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'.
