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04 June, 2025 : The freedom fighter (Muktijoddha) status of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, Syed Nazrul Islam, Tajuddin Ahmad, M Mansur Ali, AHM Kamaruzzaman, and over 400 politicians elected in the 1970 elections (MNAs and MPAs) has been revoked.
On Tuesday night, an ordinance related to this was issued by the National Conference for Freedom Fighters (JAMUKA). Under the directive of the President, the Legislative and Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Law Ministry published the ordinance, reclassifying these leaders as "associates of the liberation war."
According to the ordinance, not only the members of the wartime provisional government but also four other categories of previously recognized freedom fighters have been redesignated as "associates of the liberation war." These include:
- Bangladeshi professionals abroad who made significant contributions to the liberation war and played an active role in shaping global public opinion.
- Officers, employees, and diplomats who served under the Mujibnagar government during the liberation war.
- Artists and technicians of the Swadhin Bangla Betar Kendra, as well as Bangladeshi journalists who worked in support of the liberation war both within and outside the country.
- Members of the Swadhin Bangla football team.
Under the National Conference for Freedom Fighters Act of 2022, these individuals were previously recognized as freedom fighters. However, the new ordinance reclassifies them as "associates," effectively revoking their freedom fighter status.
On March 10, the Adviser on Liberation War Affairs, Faruk-e-Azam, signed the final draft amending the JAMUKA Act. A report published in Samakal on March 21, titled "Sheikh Mujib, Over 400 Leaders to Lose Freedom Fighter Status," sparked widespread criticism. Subsequently, several rounds of discussions were held in the advisory council. On May 15, the draft was approved with conditions for review by the Law Ministry. Following the ministry's approval, the ordinance was issued with the President's consent.
Israt Chowdhury, Secretary of the Liberation War Affairs Ministry, told Samakal that multiple discussions were held in the advisory council regarding the draft. After scrutiny by the Law Ministry, the ordinance was finalized and issued. The list of freedom fighters will soon be updated in accordance with the ordinance.
