Bangladesh’s interim government has cancelled the freedom fighter recognition of over four hundred political leaders, including the Father of the Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. An ordinance issued on Tuesday night by the Ministry of Law, Justice, and Parliamentary Affairs amended the definition of a ‘Bir Muktijoddha’ (valiant freedom fighter). This ordinance modifies the National Freedom Fighter Council Act, thereby revoking the freedom fighter status of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, Syed Nazrul Islam, Tajuddin Ahmed, who led the Liberation War, and members of the National and Provincial Assemblies who won the 1970 elections.

The new ordinance describes these leaders as ‘associates of the Liberation War’. A total of five categories have been defined for these associates. These include Bangladeshi professionals who contributed to the Liberation War while abroad, those who played a role in shaping global public opinion, officials and employees or envoys under the Mujibnagar government, and artists, technicians, and journalists of Swadhin Bangla Betar Kendra (Free Bengal Radio Station). Additionally, members of the Swadhin Bangla Football Team have also been included in this new classification.

Yunus Government Revokes Freedom Fighter Titles of Bangabandhu and Over 400 Leaders

Bangladesh’s interim government has revoked the freedom fighter status of over 400 political leaders, including the Father of the Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. An ordinance issued by the Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs on Tuesday night redefined the term “Bir Muktijoddha” (valiant freedom fighter). This ordinance amends the Jatiya Muktijoddha Council Act, resulting in the cancellation of freedom fighter recognition for Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, Syed Nazrul Islam, Tajuddin Ahmed, who led the liberation war, and members of the national and provincial assemblies who won the 1970 elections.

The new ordinance describes these leaders as “associates of the liberation war.” A total of five categories have been defined for “associates of the liberation war.” These include Bangladeshi professionals who contributed to the liberation war while abroad, played a role in forming global public opinion, served as officers, employees, or envoys under the Mujibnagar government, and artists, technicians, and journalists of the Swadhin Bangla Betar Kendra (Free Bengal Radio Station). Additionally, members of the Swadhin Bangla Football Team have also been included in this new categorization.