Adviser to the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs Faruq-e-Azam has stated that measures are being taken to cancel the list of “fake freedom fighters” through court proceedings.
He made the remarks on Monday at a discussion organised by “Bangladesh Muktijoddha Sangsad” at the Dhaka Reporters Unity.
Faruq-e-Azam said, “After collecting information on 90,000 government employees who obtained jobs by claiming to be children of freedom fighters, legal action will be taken against those who secured jobs using fake freedom fighter certificates.”
He added, “During the previous government’s tenure, many obtained fake freedom fighter certificates to avail various benefits.”
Freedom fighter Naeem Jahangir alleged, “Muktijoddha Sangsad was originally a non-political organisation. Later, it was used as a political tool to create thousands of fake freedom fighters.” He further claimed, “Even 5-year-old children have been declared freedom fighters through court cases.”
BNP Chairperson’s advisor Abdus Salam, present at the event, stated, “Freedom fighters cannot be divided for political reasons.”
Attending freedom fighters expressed frustration that while the country gained independence through the Liberation War, its people never achieved true freedom of expression. They lamented that the dream of independence envisioned by Bengalis remains unfulfilled.
Speakers emphasised the urgent need for state reforms, noting that current governance laws have become worse than during the Pakistan’s regime, making systemic reforms absolutely necessary.