Liberation War Affairs Minister Hafiz Uddin Ahmed has announced that the government will take strict measures to recover financial benefits wrongfully claimed by fake freedom fighters, while placing special emphasis on the welfare of those injured during the July mass movement and the families of martyrs.
The minister made the remarks on Monday at the Secretariat following a high-level meeting with Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. State Minister for Liberation War Affairs Ishraque Hossain was also present.
Hafiz Uddin Ahmed stated that each family of the martyrs of the July movement has already been provided with a savings certificate worth Tk 30 lac. The injured have been categorized into three classes ‘A’, ‘B’, and ‘C’ based on the severity of their injuries, with monthly allowances set accordingly: BDT 20,000 for ‘A’ category (severely injured), BDT 15,000 for ‘B’ category, and a prescribed rate for the ‘C’ category.
To oversee these initiatives, a separate July Mass Uprising Directorate has been established under the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs. The Prime Minister has issued special instructions to ensure that children of martyrs are not deprived of education due to the loss of a parent. Students who had dropped out will now receive educational allowances to help them return to school.
The minister reiterated that under the newly formed directorate, the Ministry is implementing various welfare and rehabilitation schemes for victims and their families, including support for continuing the education of children of martyrs.
Hafiz Uddin Ahmed has revealed concerns over fraudulent entries in the country’s freedom fighters’ list. According to the minister, the number of freedom fighters in 1971 was approximately 100,000. Over the years, this figure has reportedly risen to 250,000, with a significant portion suspected to be false claimants.
He noted that during previous governments, 16 individuals were found to have falsely claimed freedom fighter status, and their allowances were subsequently revoked.
The Minister added that the National Freedom Fighters Council is currently conducting a nationwide verification of the list, with a focus on recognizing distinguished freedom fighters. So far, around 300 fraudulent entries have been removed, and the process is ongoing.
“The government remains committed to ensuring that genuine freedom fighters receive all their rightful honors and benefits,” he said.
