The interim government led by Professor Dr Muhammad Yunus is going to take action against the fake freedom fighters who have collected freedom fighters’ certificates in several regimes after the liberation war in 1971.
At a press conference on Wednesday, Liberation War Affairs Adviser Farooq-e-Azam clarified the government’s stance against fake freedom fighters and said legal action would be taken against those fraudulently claiming allowances and benefits as freedom fighters.
He said that at least 2,111 freedom fighters who were under 12 years and 6 months on November 30, 1971, would be removed from the list.
The adviser said: “The ministry has set the minimum age for freedom fighters at 12 years and 6 months. There are 2,111 individuals below this age, and they will be excluded from the list.”
There are allegations that Ministers, MPs, and high government officials of the ousted Awami League regime have collected freedom fighter certificates during the last 15 years of their regime.
The Ministry of Liberation War Affairs must still disclose the list of fake freedom fighters, according to sources familiar with the development.
The list reportedly includes the names of a former minister, several MPs, and senior government officials.
Indemnity for giving up willingly
Responding to a query, Adviser Farooq-E-Azam said: “Those listed as fake freedom fighters will not face punishment if they voluntarily withdraw their names. Indemnity may be granted to those who give up willingly. However, the interim government will take action against individuals who secured jobs using fraudulent freedom fighter certificates.”
He further said: “There are numerous allegations. Many individuals who were not freedom fighters have been included in the list and have enjoyed various benefits. This is a betrayal of the nation. Following a court verdict, arrangements will be made to ensure their punishment, as they deserve accountability.”
Farooq-E-Azam emphasized the ongoing efforts to preserve the honor of genuine freedom fighters, noting:
“Various lists are under review, and the process will take time. Our priority is to uphold the dignity of true freedom fighters.”
The adviser disclosed that the ministry officially recognizes 196,454 freedom fighters as allowance recipients.
This includes 464 Biranganas (female freedom fighters), 5,895 war-injured fighters, 5,333 martyred freedom fighters, and 368 decorated freedom fighters, bringing the total number of allowance recipients to 208,050.
Additionally, 89,235 individuals have been recruited under the freedom fighter quota for government jobs, while 560 are recognized as martyred intellectuals.
Addressing a journalist’s question, the adviser clarified that the ministry is not preparing a list of anti-liberation forces.
“We do not have such a list, nor have I or my secretary received one since joining the ministry,” he said, adding: “After 53 years of independence, creating a list of Razakars and anti-independence elements is an impossible task. The ministry is already facing significant challenges in finalizing the list of freedom fighters, which is deeply disheartening.”
