Mention of Mujib Bahini, Mujahid Bahini removed from Freedom Fighters' Council Act
The changes were made by amending the National Freedom Fighters' Council Act 2022, initially passed during the tenure of the Awami League government, which had prominently included references to Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and upheld the “spirit” of the war
The names of Mujib Bahini and Mujahid Bahini has been removed from the National Freedom Fighters' Council Act.
Mujib Bahini, a paramilitary force formed in 1971 by youth leaders loyal to Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, was excluded from the list of recognised freedom fighter forces. And the Mujahid Bahini, a pro-Pakistan paramilitary force that supported the Pakistan Army during the war, was also removed from the list of collaborators.
Also, the name of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman has been removed from the National Freedom Fighters' Council Act and the term "spirit of the Liberation War" was replaced with "goals of the Liberation War."
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The interim government introduced major amendments to the National Freedom Fighters' Council Act through the National Freedom Fighters' Council (Amendment) Ordinance 2025 on 3 June, sparking widespread controversy and criticism.
The interim government also officially revised the definition of "Bir Muktijoddha" or freedom fighters, expanding it to include individuals including physicians and nurses who were not directly involved in combat during the 1971 Liberation War but made significant contributions in support roles.
The changes were made by amending the National Freedom Fighters' Council Act 2022, initially passed during the tenure of the Awami League government, which had prominently included references to Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and upheld the "spirit" of the war.
The 2022 Act recognised Sheikh Mujibur Rahman as the Father of the Nation and referenced his vision for a "Golden Bengal" (Sonar Bangla) in the law's preamble. The Act also included references to the "spirit" of the war, which has historically been associated with progressive and secular values upheld by the Awami League.
The revised ordinance now omits these references and focuses instead on achieving the "goals" of the Liberation War, a shift in tone that critics argue could depoliticise or dilute the historical context.
Redefining "Freedom Fighter" and "Collaborator"
The definitions of both "freedom fighter" and "collaborator" have been revised. While Mujibnagar Government officials are now included under a new category called "associate freedom fighters", ambiguity remains regarding the status of some top leaders.
The definition of associate freedom fighters has been divided into five categories including – Officials, employees, or envoys under the Provisional Government of Bangladesh (Mujibnagar Government); doctors, nurses, or other assistants appointed by that government. Additionally, all MNAs (Members of the National Assembly) and MPAs (Members of the Provincial Assembly) who were associated with the Provisional Government of Bangladesh (Mujibnagar government) during the Liberation War and later became members of the Constituent Assembly have also been included in the category of associate freedom fighters.
This has led to confusion about whether Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and the Four National Leaders, who were MNAs and later part of the Constituent Assembly, fall under the primary freedom fighter category or under "associates".
Official clarification
In response to public concern, Liberation War Affairs Adviser Faruk-e-Azam clarified, "Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and the four national leaders are definitely listed as freedom fighters. They were the architects of the Liberation War. There is no question of excluding them."
The Chief Adviser's Office also issued a formal clarification stating that Bangabandhu and the four leaders remain recognised as freedom fighters.
