Govt to prepare accurate Liberation War martyrs list: Minister

Liberation War Affairs Minister Ahmed Azam Khan today pledged to preserve the authentic history of the Liberation War and prepare accurate lists of martyrs, Bir Muktijoddhas and Biranganas with integrity, transparency and neutrality.

He also said existing applications would be thoroughly scrutinised to ensure that no genuine freedom fighter is excluded and no fake claimant is enlisted.

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“The government does not want to leave any inconsistency or controversy unresolved regarding the history of the Liberation War and the list of freedom fighters for future generations,” he said at a press conference following an exchange-of-views meeting at the ministry today.

The meeting was organised to discuss strategies and courses of action for preparing the list of martyrs and authentic lists of Bir Muktijoddhas and Biranganas of the Liberation War, according to a press release.

The process should have been completed immediately after independence, said Ahmed Azam.

“It is undesirable that the acceptance of applications for enlistment as freedom fighters is still ongoing as we approach 55 years of independence,” he said.

He announced that no new applications for enlistment as freedom fighters would be accepted after today.

The minister said the history of the Liberation War is an integral part of the nation’s existence and identity.

“There should be no falsehood, confusion or inconsistency in this history,” he said, adding that it is their responsibility to accurately preserve the history of the Liberation War while ensuring due dignity for genuine freedom fighters.

Liberation War researchers, teachers, journalists and eminent personalities from various fields presented their opinions and recommendations at the meeting.

Senior officials of the ministry were also present.