Independence came once and for all in 1971, says Ahmed Azam Khan

The Liberation War affairs minister says his key goal is to verify the true number of 1971 martyrs

Liberation War Affairs Minister Ahmed Azam Khan has warned that equating the 2024 mass uprising with the nation's independence would lead to a "major disaster", asserting that Bangladesh’s sovereignty was achieved only once and that was in 1971.

Speaking at a reception for freedom fighters organised by the Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) to mark Independence Day on Saturday, the minister underscored the distinction between political achievements and the birth of the state.

"Independence came to Bangladesh only once. It did not come before, and it will not come again," Azam said.

He noted that the 1990 mass uprising successfully toppled autocracy, while the 2024 student-led movement ousted fascism.

"These are undoubtedly great political achievements in an independent country, and we respect them. If we put these achievements on the same level as our Independence, it will be the cause of a major disaster for us," the minister said.

He questioned the historical accuracy of the martyrs figures released shortly after the war ended in 1971.

"It is a much-discussed issue. How did a list of martyrs from a nine-month war appear suddenly just 23 days after independence without any survey or data, abruptly claiming 3 million?" he asked.

Azam identified the preparation of authentic lists as a primary goal for his ministry, including verifying the actual number of 1971 martyrs, removing "fake" claimants from the freedom fighters' list, and creating a definitive record of collaborators such as the Razakar, Al-Badr, and Al-Shams.

The minister further informed the gathering that the government is considering enhanced housing, increased allowances, and free medical treatment for genuine freedom fighters.