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, 06:44 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.