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Published : 17 Feb 2025, 02:43 PM
The government is preparing to take legal action against individuals falsely claiming to be freedom fighters, according to Liberation War Affairs Advisor Faruk E Azam.
Speaking to reporters after a joint session of the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs and the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief at the Deputy Commissioners’ Conference in Dhaka on Monday, he said:
“Deputy commissioners have reported the presence of fake freedom fighters in several areas, and genuine freedom fighters have been vocal in calling for action.”
“We have been informed by the district administrators to identify them quickly and bring them to book. They [administrators] have asked for specific instructions on this.”
He continued: “We have said that the Jatiya Muktijoddha Council has been reconstituted, and amendments are being made to the law governing it.”
“These changes will redefine the criteria for recognising freedom fighters. Once the amendment is in place, the Muktijoddha Sangsad will also be restructured.”
The Liberation War veteran, who participated in Operation Jackpot, said, “Once the Muktijoddha Sangsad is reconstituted, we will begin verifying and screening freedom fighters in every district. Those found to be fraudulent will be brought under the law.”
In addition to the crackdown on fake freedom fighters, the government is finalising plans for a new entity -- the July Uprising Directorate -- which aims to institutionalise the ideals of the movement that ended the Awami League’s decade-long rule.
“The process is in its final stage and will be completed this week,” Faruk said.
“A policy framework is also being prepared. Under this initiative, those who died in the July Uprising will be officially recognised as ‘July Martyrs’, while those who were wounded will be designated as ‘July Warriors’.”
The government will provide financial support to those affected by the uprising, he said. Families of martyrs will receive savings certificates worth Tk 3 million. Injured individuals will be entitled to lifelong medical benefits and a monthly allowance.
Those who were severely wounded will receive a one-time compensation paymeny of Tk 500,000 and a monthly stipend of Tk 20,000. Those with partial injuries will receive a lump sum of Tk 300,000 and a monthly allowance of Tk 15,000.
