The government has revoked the freedom fighter status of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, Syed Nazrul Islam, Tajuddin Ahmad, M. Mansur Ali, A.H.M. Qamaruzzaman, and more than 400 politicians (MNAs and MPAs) elected in the 1970 elections who led or supported the Liberation War. An ordinance related to this decision was issued last night (Tuesday). According to the ordinance published by the Legislative and Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Ministry of Law on the President's order, these individuals are now categorized as "Associates of the Liberation War."

At around 11 p.m. yesterday, the National Freedom Fighters Council (JAMUKA) officially published the ordinance in a gazette. According to it, not only the members of the wartime provisional government but also four additional categories of recognized freedom fighters have been reclassified as "associates of the Liberation War." These categories include:

Bangladeshi professionals abroad who played a significant role in favor of the Liberation War and in building global opinion. Officials, employees, diplomats, and other aides who served under the Mujibnagar Government during the war. All artists and staff of the Swadhin Bangla Betar Kendra (the wartime radio station), as well as Bangladeshi journalists who worked in support of the war both inside and outside the country. Members of the Swadhin Bangla Football Team.

Under the "National Freedom Fighter Council Act, 2022," Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, along with MNAs and MPAs of the provisional government and members of the four categories above, had been officially recognized as "Bir Muktijoddha" (valiant freedom fighters). However, the new ordinance reclassifies them as "Associates of the Liberation War," effectively revoking their freedom fighter status.

On March 10, the Liberation War Affairs Advisor, Faruq-e-Azam, signed off on the final draft of the amended JAMUKA law. On March 21, a report was published in the Samakal newspaper titled "Freedom Fighter Recognition to Be Removed for Sheikh Mujib and Over 400 Leaders," which sparked widespread criticism. Following this, the draft was discussed multiple times in the Advisory Council.

Initially, on May 6, a decision was made to retain the recognition of those 400+ politicians elected in 1970. However, after further political discussions, the Advisory Council approved the draft on May 15, subject to review by the Ministry of Law. Subsequently, the Ministry endorsed the reclassification, and the ordinance was issued with the President's approval.

When contacted, Liberation War Affairs Secretary Israt Chowdhury told Samakal last night that the draft had been discussed several times in the Advisory Council and was approved conditionally. After legal review, the finalized draft was submitted for ordinance issuance, which has now been done by presidential order. She also mentioned that the list of freedom fighters would soon be updated accordingly.

A review of the ordinance shows that the definitions of "freedom fighter" and "associate of the Liberation War" have been amended. According to the revised definition:

A "Bir Muktijoddha" (freedom fighter) is someone who, between March 26 and December 16, 1971, engaged in combat preparation and internal training within the country, or crossed into India to register at training camps to participate in the war against the occupying Pakistani military and their collaborators (Razakars, Al-Badr, Al-Shams, the then Muslim League, Jamaat-e-Islami, Nezam-e-Islam, and Peace Committees). This also includes civilians who met the government-defined minimum age at the time and members of the armed forces, East Pakistan Rifles (EPR), police, Mukti Bahini, the Mujibnagar Government, and forces recognized by it, including naval commandos, Kilo Flight, Ansar members, and others. Additionally:

(a) Women tortured by the occupying Pakistani army and their collaborators (Biranganas), and (b) Medical staff (doctors, nurses, and assistants) who treated wounded freedom fighters at field hospitals.

The updated definition of the Liberation War states:

"Liberation War" refers to the armed struggle by the people of Bangladesh between March 26 and December 16, 1971, to establish an independent democratic state based on equality, human dignity, and social justice, against the occupying Pakistani military and their collaborators (Razakars, Al-Badr, Al-Shams, Muslim League, Jamaat-e-Islami, Nezam-e-Islam, and Peace Committees).

On January 11, 1972, then head of state Sheikh Mujibur Rahman issued the "Provisional Constitution Order of Bangladesh, 1972." On March 23 of that year, the Constituent Assembly was formed with 403 of the 469 elected members from the 1970 elections (169 from the National Assembly and 300 from the Provincial Assembly). Among them, 400 were from the Awami League, one from NAP, and two independents. In the initial list of freedom fighters after independence, 1,361 of these members were recognized under the category “Lal Muktibarta: Smaraniyo Jara, Baraniyo Jara” (The Honored and Memorable).

According to ministry sources, the current list of freedom fighters contains 36 categories. Following the ordinance, members from the “Lal Muktibarta” category—including Constituent Assembly members, BCS officials with honorary titles, expatriate organizers who built global support, Mujibnagar government officials, artists from Swadhin Bangla Betar Kendra, and players from the Swadhin Bangla Football Team—have had their freedom fighter status officially revoked.