17-year-old Md Israfil and 15-year-old Robeya Khatun were married about eight months ago
41 Biranganas get freedom fighter status
The government has recognised 41 'Biranganas' (literally war heroines) as freedom fighters.
Published : 12 Oct 2015, 09:33 AM
Updated : 12 Oct 2015, 07:38 PM
They were violated and dishonoured by Pakistani soldiers and their local collaborators during the 1971 Liberation War.
The Ministry of Liberation War Affairs published a gazette notification on Monday extending these women the recognition as freedom fighters.
“They will now be entitled to all benefits available to freedom fighters. The date from which this takes effect will be announced later after discussing with the minister,” ministry spokesperson Sufi Andullahhil Maruf told bdnews24.com.
Bangladesh’s founding father Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman had honoured the women violated and tortured during the war as ‘Biranganas’ in 1972.
Following his instructions, the process of rehabilitating the Biranganas had also started, but it was stalled after his assassination in 1975.
In October last year, the Jatiya Muktijoddha Council (JMC) decided to recognise the ‘Biranganas’ as freedom fighters.
On Jan 29, a bill was passed in Parliament in this regard.
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