বাংলাGazette Correction: The Ministry of Liberation War Affairs has corrected the status of 127 individuals from “Freedom Fighter” to “Associate Freedom Fighter.” Two amended ordinances are set for Parliament.
Extensive Review of Freedom Fighter Status Leads to Major Gazette Correction
The Ministry of Liberation War Affairs has undertaken a significant Gazette Correction, reclassifying 127 individuals from the status of “Freedom Fighter” to “Associate Freedom Fighter.” These decisions were finalized during the 91st to 102nd meetings of the National Council of Freedom Fighters (JAMUKA). According to ministry data, between June 2025 and January 2026, a total of 275 individuals were gazetted, with a record 191 names published in January alone. This rapid Gazette Correction process has raised questions among veteran organizations regarding the timing and necessity of such actions by the previous interim administration.
Under the “National Council of Freedom Fighters (Amendment) Ordinance 2025,” 40 individuals have been newly recognized as “Liberation War Associates.” Among them, 31 are fresh inclusions, while 9 were added by canceling their previously held Freedom Fighter status. Furthermore, during the 102nd meeting, 75 names were removed from the “Lal Muktibarta” list as part of the ongoing Gazette Correction. Israt Chowdhury, Secretary of the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs, confirmed that two amended ordinances regarding these status shifts will be presented in the current parliamentary session by the concerned minister.
Historical Data and Integrity of the List
The Gazette Correction efforts also cover the period from 2010 to 2026, during which 17,743 Freedom Fighters were gazetted, 9,759 gazettes were corrected, and 4,344 were canceled. The ministry has also regularized the civilian gazettes of 18,920 individuals. Shahina Khatun, Director General of JAMUKA, stated that recommendations are only made after rigorous document verification, despite increased pressure for recognition post-August 5. She noted that the Gazette Correction is necessary because many names on the Indian list include individuals who did not actively participate in combat, including some journalists and artists now reclassified as associates.
Controversy Over Rapid Recognition
Former President of Muktijoddha Dal, Ishtiaq Aziz Ulfat, criticized the hurried Gazette Correction and recognition process in January. He suggested that such tasks should have been left to an elected government for more thorough scrutiny. Meanwhile, the list of martyred intellectuals now includes 560 names published in four phases between 2021 and 2024. The number of gallantry award recipients stands at 672, following the removal of four names. Notably, W.A.S. Ouderland remains the only foreign national to receive the “Bir Protik” title. For more historical and administrative updates, visit our Liberation War Archive and join our YouTube Community for expert interviews.
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