The government has fixed the definition of freedom fighters to create an acceptable list of those who contributed to the country’s Liberation War in 1971.
As per the recommendations of the Jatiya Muktijoddha Council, it also fixed the minimum age limit at 13 as of March 26, 1971 to be enlisted as a freedom fighter anew. The Liberation War Affairs Ministry issued a gazette notification on Tuesday in this regard.
As per the notification, those who participated in the Liberation War from March 26, 1971 to December 16, 1971 to achieve Bangladesh’s independence responding to the proclamation of independence by Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman will be considered as freedom fighters.
In elaboration, it said people in the following nine categories will be considered as freedom fighters.
1. Those who included their names in different training camps in India after crossing Bangladesh border for taking part in the Liberation War
2. Bangladeshi professionals who made special contributions to the Liberation War while abroad and eminent Bangladeshi citizens who played an active role in mustering world opinion in favour of the
Liberation War
3. Officials and employees of the Mujibnagar Government
4. Members of the armed forces, police, EPR and Ansar who actively took part in the Liberation War
5. Members of MNA and MPA who were associated with the Mujibnagar
Government and who participated in the war
6. Biranganas (Women who were tortured by the Pakistan forces during the Liberation War)
7. Artistes and crew of Swadhin Bangla Betar Kendra, and Bangladeshi journalists who worked at home and abroad
8. Players of Swadhin Bangla Football team
9. Physicians, nurses and assistants of the medical teams engaged in the treatment of the injured freedom fighters during the war.
