Abul Hossain, a resident of Melandaha upazila in Tangail, wrote to Upazila Nirbahi Officer Tamim Al Yiameen that freedom fighters are not being properly honoured. He wrote: “The government is trying its level best to issue a gazette to prepare a list of authenticated freedom fighters. Someone who did not risk their lives for Bangladesh has no place on the list. But sadly, some influential freedom fighters are providing accreditation to people in exchange for money. This dishonours the spirit of every martyred freedom fighter and tarnishes the honour of the Liberation War.”Also Read- What state facilities are freedom fighters entitled to?
The letter was issued on December 12, a scant four days before the Victory Day. The resentful freedom fighter further wrote that burying fake freedom fighters with state honours has disillusioned him to the point he wishes to renounce his honours. He also rejected his title of “Bir” on grounds of derisive remarks from people who scoff at the term “muktijoddha” and call them “chuktijoddha” (contractual soldiers) mockingly. UNO Tamim acknowledged receiving the application for refusal of state honours during burial. He said he believed Abul Hossain has written up the letter out of resentment. He also said he will speak to authorities and proceed accordingly.
