Freedom fighter recognition of over 400 leaders including Sheikh Mujib cancelled

The government has issued a new ordinance by order of the President, canceling the freedom fighter recognition of over 400 politicians (then MNAs and MPAs) who won the 1970 elections, including Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, Syed Nazrul Islam, Tajuddin Ahmed. This ordinance was issued by the Legislative and Parliamentary Division of the Law Ministry on Tuesday night. According to this new ordinance, they can no longer be called 'heroic freedom fighters', but rather they will be known as 'associates of the liberation war'.

According to the ordinance, the freedom fighter identity of leaders of the government in exile, artistes-workers of the Swadhin Bangla Betar Kendra, professionals who played a role in shaping public opinion in favor of the liberation war abroad, players of the Swadhin Bangla football team, officials-employees of the Mujibnagar government and embassy-related persons has been cancelled. Instead, they have been identified as 'associates of the liberation war'. However, according to the National Freedom Fighters Council Act 2022, all of them were recognized as 'heroic freedom fighters'.

The new definition of freedom fighters in the ordinance states that only those who prepared for war inside the country, received training, went to various camps in India and registered their names and directly participated in the frontal war during the period from March 26 to December 16, 1971 will be considered 'heroic freedom fighters'. Along with this, they actively fought against the Pakistani army and their allies. In addition, doctors, nurses and medical assistants engaged in medical services in field hospitals and 'heroic freedom fighters' who are victims of female oppression will also be included as 'heroic freedom fighters'.

The new definition means 'liberation war': the armed struggle waged against the Pakistani army and their allies from March 26 to December 16, 1971 to establish the independence, human dignity, equality and social justice of Bangladesh.

This decision has led to strong reactions in the political arena. Disappointment and anger have spread in the social and political arena, especially over the cancellation of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's freedom fighter recognition. Multiple sources in the Law Ministry said that the ordinance was formulated based on a political decision and was later finalized with the approval of the President after being amended for the second time.