Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus has emphasised the need for presenting the true history of the Liberation War impartially through the activities of the Liberation War Affairs Ministry.
He made the statement at a meeting at state guesthouse Jamuna in the capital on Monday afternoon. Liberation War Affairs Adviser Faruk E Azam, Chief Adviser’s Chief Secretary Siraj Uddin Mia, and other officials of the ministry were present at the meeting.
Faruk said that the ministry has spent crores of taka on constructing various buildings and infrastructures that portray a misleading version of the Liberation War’s history.
He said these structures lack detailed accounts of the battlefields and the freedom fighters. Instead, they focus solely on glorifying one particular family through photos and artifacts, presenting exaggerated narratives.
As an example, he cited a research project titled “Implementing Bangabandhu’s Ideals and the Spirit of the Liberation War”, for which a budget of Tk 230 million was allocated.
He remarked, “Despite receiving crores from the ministry, they have done very little actual research.”
The adviser further said, “Sheikh Hasina had turned the freedom fighters into a privileged class. She politicised the allocation of property, benefits, and funds designated for them. Even the infrastructures built for the freedom fighters were used to conduct Awami League politics. Valuable properties under the Freedom Fighters’ Welfare Trust were left unprotected. Decisions must be made regarding these assets.”
The chief adviser has instructed that a consultant be appointed immediately to assess how the properties under the Freedom Fighters’ Welfare Trust can be properly utilised and how the Trust’s capacity can be enhanced. He also directed that a follow-up committee be formed.
“We must take effective steps to determine the scope of work for the Welfare Trust and what kinds of enterprises can be established on its properties. This Trust must be revitalised.”
The chief adviser advised all parties concerned to ensure that all future projects of the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs reflect the true history of the Liberation War.