Keramat Ali Khan receives state recognition as Freedom Fighter two years after death

His family says he fought on the frontlines in 1971, later joining Bangladesh Police

Barishal resident Md Keramat Ali Khan has received state recognition as a Bir Muktijoddha, or Freedom Fighter, 54 years after independence and two years after his death.

His name appeared in the gazette published on Friday morning on the website of the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs.

Upon receiving a copy of the gazette, signed by Deputy Secretary Haridas Thakur, his wife, three daughters and relatives broke down in tears.

Keramat, who had been serving as a police ASI, died of cancer on Sept 20, 2023. Although the family applied for a state burial after his death, the absence of his name in the official gazette made it impossible. He was later buried in the yard of his home.

His wife Jahanara Keramat said during his lifetime her husband had appealed to numerous offices, from the Inspector General of Police to the Home Ministry, the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs and Jatio Muktijoddha Council, seeking formal recognition as a freedom fighter.

“If he could have seen his name in the gazette just once before he died, he would have been so happy. Even though his recognition has finally come, we will carry the weight of this regret for the rest of our lives,” she said.

According to the family, Keramat fought on the frontlines during the 1971 Liberation War. After independence, he joined Bangladesh Police.

Although the word “Muktijoddha” appeared before his name in his service book, his name was missing from the government list.

After reviewing his application, the Upazila Freedom Fighter Verification Committee recommended him as a genuine freedom fighter on Jul 26, 2023 and sent the report to the National Freedom Fighter Council.

Based on that recommendation, his name was officially included in the gazette.