Freedom fighters Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, four national leaders, and the Mujibnagar Government will be officially recognized, confirms Faruk-e-Azam. Learn more about the new JAMUKA ordinance and its significance.
This confirmation came from Faruk-e-Azam, advisor to the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs, during a phone interview with Jamuna Television on Wednesday morning, June 4. Faruk-e-Azam explained that everyone who was part of the Mujibnagar Government will be regarded as freedom fighters.
“Those who fought with weapons and those who led the Liberation War they are all freedom fighters,” he said. “There’s been some misleading information in the media. But let’s be clear: the officials and employees who supported the Mujibnagar Government will be recognized as associate freedom fighters.”
He also highlighted the crucial roles played by those who weren’t on the battlefield but made significant contributions. “People like the broadcasters from Swadhin Bangla Betar Kendra and the diplomats who worked tirelessly abroad—they are also associate freedom fighters,” he said. “Being called ‘associate’ doesn’t make their contribution any less. Their honor remains intact.”
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Despite the clarification, there’s been some public debate following the new ordinance that redefines who qualifies as a freedom fighter under the National Freedom Fighters Council (JAMUKA). Faruk-e-Azam believes the controversy is unnecessary, as the revised law simply reaffirms the spirit of the original 1972 definition.
“What we’ve done is return to the foundation,” he explained. “The definition of a freedom fighter that existed in 1972 is what we’re implementing again. It was revised in 2018 and 2022, but now it’s been made clear. And whether someone is a freedom fighter or an associate freedom fighter, they will receive the same respect, honor, and benefits.”
He ended with a powerful reminder: “If the entire nation hadn’t joined the Liberation War in some form, we wouldn’t be independent today. There’s nothing in our history more glorious than the Liberation War.” It’s worth noting that on Tuesday night, June 3, the government officially issued the revised ordinance under the JAMUKA Act, giving legal clarity to the new definition of a freedom fighter.
