Liberation War Affairs Minister Ahmed Azam Khan has said that legal efforts to recover misappropriated state assets and ensure an accurate and verified list of freedom fighters will be intensified.
He made the remarks on Wednesday while inaugurating a special workshop held at the ministry’s conference room aimed at expediting the disposal of writ petitions, service-related cases, administrative tribunal cases, and contempt of court matters involving the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs.
In his address, the minister said that in the past, government litigation did not adequately safeguard the interests of the state due to various constraints.
However, he noted that the situation has improved significantly through coordinated efforts between the Attorney General’s Office and ministry officials.
“This workshop will strengthen coordination between the Attorney General’s Office, the Solicitor Wing, and ministry officials, enabling faster identification and resolution of legal complications,” he said.
Referring to the recovery of properties under the Liberation War Welfare Trust and other ministry assets, the minister said a significant volume of state property had been lost over time due to mismanagement, irregularities, and collusion among vested interests. He said the government remains firmly committed to recovering such assets.
“Every state asset belongs to the people. All illegally occupied properties will be recovered through legal means, and there will be no compromise on this issue,” he said.
On the issue of maintaining an accurate list of freedom fighters and martyrs, the minister stressed that it is the state’s responsibility to preserve historical records in a factual and evidence-based manner.
He said disputed decisions and processes from the past should be reviewed through proper research and legal frameworks.
He also referred to allegations that a number of ineligible individuals were included in the freedom fighters’ list in previous years. The ministry, he said, is conducting verification and scrutiny to ensure the rights and dignity of genuine freedom fighters.
“Those who are not genuine freedom fighters but have been included in the list and are receiving state benefits will face legal action. This will help prevent misuse of public funds and strengthen the honour of real freedom fighters,” he added.
Reaffirming the government’s development agenda, the minister said the administration is committed to building a prosperous, democratic and welfare-oriented Bangladesh. He called on all concerned to work with unity to implement ongoing reforms and development initiatives.
“We must act with responsibility, integrity and professionalism in the interest of the state. Ensuring rule of law, good governance and accountability is essential to building a developed and dignified Bangladesh,” he said.
The workshop was attended by State Minister Ishraque Hossain, Ministry Secretary Md Ashraful Islam, senior officials, solicitors, law officers from the Attorney General’s Office, and Supreme Court lawyers.
