“An indemnity may be offered to fake freedom fighters who willingly come forward; Otherwise, they will be prosecuted.”
The Ministry of Liberation War Affairs has determined the minimum age for freedom fighters to be 12 years and 6 months. Based on this criterion, 2,111 individuals are set to be removed from the official list of freedom fighters, according to Liberation War Affairs Adviser Faruq-e-Azam. He also indicated a possibility of general amnesty for those who voluntarily admit to falsely claiming the status of freedom fighters. However, he warned that legal action would be taken against those who commit fraud.
During a press conference held on Wednesday (December 11) to discuss preparations for Martyred Intellectuals Day and Victory Day programs, Faruq-e-Azam issued a strong caution. He stated, “There are many allegations that individuals who are not freedom fighters have been included in the list and are enjoying associated benefits. This is a deception against the nation. Once verified by the courts, such individuals will face punishment. They deserve to be penalized. We are committed to preserving the dignity of genuine freedom fighters while offering an indemnity to those who willingly come forward. Otherwise, they will be prosecuted.”
The ministry has initiated the process of identifying ineligible individuals and has published a complaint form on its website. A comprehensive database is being developed to verify the information of freedom fighters. Efforts are also underway to collect data from various ministries to prepare a detailed list of government employees recruited under the freedom fighter quota. To date, 89,235 individuals have been identified as beneficiaries of the quota, while the number of martyred intellectuals stands at 560.
The ministry has also disclosed that a total of 196,454 freedom fighters currently receive government stipends. This includes 464 Biranganas, 5,895 wounded freedom fighters, 5,333 martyred freedom fighters, and 368 awardees of gallantry titles. In total, the number of stipend recipients amounts to 208,050.
Addressing allegations of misuse of the freedom fighter quota in government jobs, Faruq-e-Azam remarked, “There are accusations that individuals who are not children of freedom fighters have secured government jobs and availed benefits. We are making this process transparent by introducing a complaint form. If any allegation is proven, appropriate punitive measures will be taken.”
Responding to a question about the preparation of a list of collaborators (Razakars), he said, “I have no information on this matter. There is no file, record, or documentation on a Razakar list within the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs.” He further explained, “Even if we intended to create such a list, it would be an extremely difficult task. Identifying their whereabouts and verifying their roles is a highly challenging process. The ministry is already struggling to finalize the list of freedom fighters, which is deeply distressing.”
