Fake freedom fighters: 481 gazettes cancelled

Bangla Press Desk:  Liberation War Affairs Minister Ahmad Azam Khan has said that the government has launched a process to identify and take action against individuals who were falsely listed as freedom fighters on political considerations during the previous “fascist” regime.

Responding to a notice raised by Sylhet-3 lawmaker Md. Abdul Malik in the National Parliament on Sunday, the minister informed that a total of 481 fake freedom fighters have had their official gazettes cancelled between August 2024 and March 2026 following investigations and verification across the country.

The statement was made during the eighth sitting of the first session of the 13th Jatiya Sangsad, presided over by Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed.

In his notice under Rule 71, Abdul Malik alleged that numerous individuals had been falsely enlisted as freedom fighters over the past 15 years using fabricated information, depriving genuine war veterans of due recognition and benefits. He highlighted that the issue is particularly severe in areas such as Balaganj and Dakshin Surma in Sylhet, where “many impostors have been enjoying state privileges dishonestly.”

In reply, the minister said, “Freedom fighters are the finest sons of the nation. Technically, there is no such thing as a ‘fake freedom fighter’; however, some opportunists managed to enter the list through dishonest means.” He added that the identification process is ongoing and that a subcommittee of the National Freedom Fighters Council (JAMUKA) is regularly reviewing complaints through hearings and verification.

“Once complaint is proven, their certificates and gazette notifications are immediately cancelled,” he said.

Recalling Sylhet’s contribution to the Liberation War, the minister mentioned MAG Osmani, the Commander-in-Chief of the Liberation War, and former Navy Chief Mahbub Ali Khan, noting the region’s historic significance. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the welfare of genuine freedom fighters.

The minister also said that expatriate freedom fighters who have yet to receive digital certificates or smart ID cards will be provided with them promptly upon application.

In response to demands from the MP, he assured that the Dakshin Surma Freedom Fighters Complex would be handed over soon. Plans are also underway for the construction and renovation of similar complexes in Balaganj and Fenchuganj upazilas.

He further stated that the current government is guided by the ideals of Ziaur Rahman and other prominent figures of the Liberation War, adding that under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, efforts are ongoing to ensure proper dignity and benefits for genuine freedom fighters.

The minister also announced plans to visit historic Liberation War sites in Sylhet soon and gather more information from local representatives to safeguard the dignity of true freedom fighters.