The Chinese govt says it decided to open the centre due to the growing demand amid strengthening ties
Freedom fighter figure unclear 43 years on
They fought valiantly putting their lives on the line to curve out an independent Bangladesh in 1971 but, 43 years later, the official number of the nation's best sons and daughters changes with the change in power.
Published : 16 Dec 2014, 01:44 PM
Updated : 16 Dec 2014, 07:05 PM
The Awami League, which spearheaded the Liberation War, has redefined freedom fighters and is updating the list. It will publish a full list before the Independence Day on March 26 next year.
It was originally supposed to be published by Dec 16. Liberation War Affairs Minister AKM Mozammel Haque has apologised for the delay.
He said they would scrutinise names not found in 'Laal Mukti Barta' before finalising the list.
The government also plans to investigate specific allegations against anyone named in the Mukti Barta.
Haque admitted that both freedom fighter lists published by the BNP and Awami League-led governments had stirred controversy.
Altogether, 123,000 people have applied for freedom fighter status anew, he said.
There are allegations that about 50,000 people with freedom fighters credentials had not taken part in the war.
Minister Haque said they would look into the allegations.
"We have received numerous complaints. Many had taken certificates submitting false information.
"There was a racket behind it. But we have cancelled the fake certificates," he told bdnews24.com.
A policy will soon be finalised to form Upazila-level committees to scrutinise freedom fighters.
A gazette will be published once the list is finalised.
File Photo
The government in October recognised 'Biranganas', the war heroines violated by Pakistani soldiers and their local collaborators, as freedom fighters while redefining the definition.
He said the list will not be influenced by political views.
"We won't leave anyone (freedom fighters) out if they are loyal to Jamaat(-e-Islami). Similarly, we can't include just anyone who supports the Awami League [in the list]," Haque said.
"It will depend on the Upazila committee whether any fake freedom fighters are included," the minister said.
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