Dhaka, Mar 22 (V7N) – In a sweeping reclassification that could reshape historical narratives, more than 400 politicians — among them iconic figures such as Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, Syed Nazrul Islam, and Tajuddin Ahmad — will no longer be officially recognized as freedom fighters.

Under a proposed amendment to the Jatio Muktijoddha Council (Jamuka) law, these former MNAs and MPAs, leaders elected in the early 1970s, are set to be re-designated as “associates of the Liberation War,” the daily Samakal reported.


Drafted during the 94th meeting of Jamuka and signed on March 10 by Liberation War Affairs Adviser Faruk E Azam Bir Pratik, the proposed amendment signals a decisive shift in how Bangladesh commemorates its Liberation War heroes.

The new ordinance explicitly reserves the “freedom fighter” title for those who engaged in armed combat on the battlefield, while political leaders and other contributors from non-combat roles will be recognized as associates.

However, the draft makes no mention of those who played leadership roles and acted as key organizers, providing internal and international guidance during the Liberation War.

A fundamental shift in legacy recognition
“Politicians will not be considered freedom fighters. Only those who fought with weapons on the battlefield will be deemed valiant freedom fighters. Everyone else will be identified as ‘Liberation War associates’ — a semantic change that does not affect anyone’s privileges or dignity,” Faruk told Samakal.


He emphasized that this reclassification would not undermine the contributions of women, doctors, nurses, and others from the border camps in India who played pivotal roles during the Liberation War.

In addition to the reclassification of political figures, the draft amendment outlines a revision for four distinct categories of freedom fighters:

International contributors: Bangladeshi professionals whose initiatives abroad significantly shaped global public opinion in favor of the Liberation War.

Government officials: Individuals who served as officials, employees, ambassadors, or assistants under the provisional Mujibnagar government.

Cultural and media advocates: Artists, technicians from the Swadhin Bangla Betar Kendra, and Bangladeshi journalists — both domestic and international — who lent their voices and skills during the war.

Sports ambassadors: Members of the celebrated Swadhin Bangla Football Team.

Samakal, citing ministry sources, reported that the new draft may lead to the reclassification of approximately 10,000 freedom fighters currently listed in government gazettes.

These individuals could be identified as “associates of the Liberation War” instead of being recognized as direct combatants or key figures in the historic struggle.


With the draft amendment now sent to the Law Ministry for detailed vetting, the ordinance is expected to be tabled at the upcoming Advisory Council meeting, Samakal reported.

Once the draft is enacted as an ordinance, the ministry will initiate the vetting process for other categories of freedom fighters from the Civil Gazette, focusing on individuals who did not engage in direct combat on the battlefield.

 

 

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