Govt revises definition of freedom fighter, recognising physicians, nurses who treated the wounded
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
Highlights: Who is now a "Bir Muktijoddha"?
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Fighters trained or engaged in combat (March 26 – Dec 16, 1971)
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Armed forces, EPR, police, Mukti Bahini, naval commandos, Kilo Force, Ansar
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Mujibnagar Government personnel
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Doctors, nurses, and medical assistants who treated wounded fighters
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Biranganas – women tortured by the Pakistani occupation forces
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The interim government has 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'.
Secretary of the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs Ishrat Chowdhury told TBS today (4 June) that those who were in the Mujibnagar government have been mentioned as heroic freedom fighters in the ordinance, because the war was waged under the plans and guidance of the Mujibnagar government.
When asked whether Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and the four national leaders were heroic freedom fighters or associate freedom fighters according to the new definition of the ordinance, the secretary said, of course they were heroic freedom fighters. The Mujibnagar government was formed with them and the liberation war was fought under the orders and plans of that government.
Additionally, women who were subjected to violence and torture by the Pakistani occupation forces and their collaborators during the war will continue to be honoured as 'Biranganas' and are also included in the updated freedom fighter category.
The revised ordinance defines a Bir Muktijoddha as any civilian of the minimum age determined by the government who, between 26 March and 16 December of 1971, engaged in preparatory activities or training inside the country, crossed the border to train in Indian camps, enrolled their names in various training camps in India with the aim of participating in the Liberation War against the Pakistani military and its local collaborators—including Razakars, Al-Badr, Al-Shams, and members of the then-Muslim League, Jamaat-e-Islami, Nezame Islam, and Peace Committee in order to achieve the great independence of Bangladesh.
The new definition also encompasses personnel from the armed forces, East Pakistan Rifles (EPR), police, Mukti Bahini, naval commandos, Ansar, and members of the Mujibnagar Government or other recognised forces operating under it.
Moreover, a new category termed "Associates of the Liberation War" has been introduced in the ordinance.
It includes individuals who supported the war from within the country or abroad through organising, mobilising international support, raising global awareness, and contributing to the psychological strength of the war effort.
"The citizens of Bangladesh who have directly participated and cooperated in the context of inspiring the heroic freedom fighters, staying inside the country or abroad, and playing the role of organiser, shaping global public opinion, gaining diplomatic support and gaining psychological strength in an effort to accelerate the Liberation War and the achievement of Bangladesh's independence, with the aim of achieving the great independence of Bangladesh," the definition reads.
Specific groups recognised under this category include professionals and expatriates who played key roles in shaping international opinion in favour of the Liberation War; Bangladeshi officials, employees, diplomats, doctors, and nurses affiliated with the Mujibnagar Government; elected MNAs and MPAs who later became members of the Constituent Assembly; artists and staff of Swadhin Bangla Betar Kendra (Free Bengal Radio); journalists who advocated for the war at home and abroad; and members of the Swadhin Bangla Football Team.
Officials from the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs confirmed that although certain individuals will be categorised separately as "associates" rather than freedom fighters, their government-provided benefits and entitlements will remain unchanged for them.
