The interim government has revoked the freedom fighter status of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, Syed Nazrul Islam, Tajuddin Ahmad, and all elected politicians (MNAs/MPAs) from the 1970 general elections who led the Bangladesh (East Pakistan) during the Great Liberation War.
On the night of Tuesday, June 3, the Ministry of Law’s Legislative and Parliamentary Affairs Division issued this as an ordinance by amending the National Freedom Fighters Council Act, 2022 (JAMUKA Act).
The ordinance also redefines the Liberation War and the term “freedom fighter.” By adding a new category called “Associates of the Liberation War,” the ordinance now classifies Bangabandhu, the four national leaders, and all members of the Mujibnagar Government under this new designation rather than as freedom fighters.
The ordinance specifies four more recognized categories who will now be considered “Associates of the Liberation War,” along with the wartime expatriate government members.
Changes in Legal Terminology
The ordinance amends the preamble of the National Freedom Fighters Council Act, 2022 (Act No. 15 of 2022). Phrases like:
“...to uphold the ideals of the Liberation War in national life and realize the spirit of the Liberation War by fulfilling the dream of building a Golden Bengal envisioned by the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, along with freedom fighters and their families...”have been replaced with:
“...to uphold the ideals of the Liberation War in national life, implement the goals of the Liberation War, and include freedom fighters, associates of the Liberation War, and their families.”New Definition of ‘Freedom Fighter’
The amended act defines a “freedom fighter” as:
A civilian who responded to the declaration of independence made by the Father of the Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, and who, between March 26 and December 16, 1971, actively participated in the Liberation War—either by taking preparation and internal training inside the country or by crossing the border into India and enrolling in training camps—and engaged in direct combat against the occupying Pakistani forces and their local collaborators, including the Razakars, Al-Badr, Al-Shams, Muslim League, Jamaat-e-Islami, Nezam-e-Islam, and Peace Committees.This includes personnel of the armed forces, East Pakistan Rifles (EPR), police, Mukti Bahini, Mujib Bahini, naval commandos, Kilo Force, Ansar members, and others recognized by the Mujibnagar government, as well as:
All women (Birangana) who were victims of torture by the Pakistani forces and their collaborators.
Doctors, nurses, and medical assistants who served wounded fighters in field hospitals.Definition of ‘Associate of the Liberation War’
The ordinance introduces a new category, “Associate of the Liberation War,” defined as those who, from March 26 to December 16, 1971, played supportive roles—either inside the country or abroad—by motivating freedom fighters, organizing efforts, generating international support, and enhancing the psychological resilience of the movement. Recognized individuals include:
Bangladeshi professionals abroad who contributed significantly to the Liberation War and helped shape global public opinion.
Officials, employees, or envoys of the expatriate Mujibnagar Government, including doctors, nurses, and other assistants appointed by the government.
All MNAs and MPAs associated with the Mujibnagar Government, later considered Members of the Constituent Assembly.
All artists and technicians of Swadhin Bangla Betar Kendra, and all Bangladeshi journalists who contributed to the Liberation War both domestically and abroad.
The Swadhin Bangla Football Team.