Liberation War Affairs Adviser Farooq-e-Azam has said legal action will be taken against those fraudulently claiming allowances and benefits as freedom fighters.
Farooq said that the current list of freedom fighters is under review, and non-freedom fighters will be removed.
"There are many cases, and we need to contest them in court to move forward," he said, adding that this is part of a broader strategy to reassess and redefine who qualifies as a freedom fighter.
"Jatiya Muktijoddha Council has been formed, and meetings have taken place, suggesting that the definition of a freedom fighter may change. Genuine freedom fighters should be acknowledged, and those who fought in the field, as well as indirect contributors, should be honoured," the adviser said.
He said that he could not yet specify how many people have been gazetted as freedom fighters and emphasized that the verification process to identify the true freedom fighters should take place.
Farooq further said that this list should have been finalized in 1972, immediately after the war, when information was more readily available. "It should have been finalized in 1972, when the information was accessible, making it easier to compile," he said.
This delay has resulted in the current challenges and the need for thorough verification.
"Freedom fighters are regarded as honorable, and we cannot accept anything that is imposed. If there had been objectivity, every martyr would have a story. Unfortunately, we do not hear many of these stories," he said.
He said: "When I first joined, I asked where the list was. They told me there was no list. If we find specific evidence, we will take action, as deceiving the state is a punishable offense. This might make many realize their wrongdoing."
"We will continue with the review and take action based on court outcomes," the adviser added.
Notices will be sent to individuals who falsely claimed freedom fighter status. "If they cannot provide proper evidence, they will be removed from the list, and those who have received benefits for so long will face consequences," he said.
He assured that there would be no plan to reduce the benefits and allowances of legitimate freedom fighters.
