Caretaker adviser calls for authentic history of Liberation War
Liberation War Affairs Adviser Faruk E Azam says no meaningful research was conducted despite receiving crores of taka from the ministry.
Yunus Emphasises Impartial Portrayal of Liberation War History
Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Monday stressed the need for presenting an impartial and authentic account of the Liberation War through the activities of the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs.
He made the remarks at a meeting held at the State Guest House Jamuna in Dhaka, attended by Liberation War Affairs Adviser Faruk E Azam, Principal Secretary to the Chief Adviser M Siraz Uddin Miah, and senior officials of the ministry.
At the meeting, Adviser Faruk E Azam criticised past initiatives for failing to accurately depict the Liberation War. “Despite spending crores of taka on infrastructure and facilities, the real history of the war has been distorted,” he said.
He pointed out that many installations lacked detailed accounts of battles or the contributions of freedom fighters. “Instead, they are filled with exaggerated narratives centred around a single family, portrayed through photos and curated displays,” he added.
Citing an example, Faruk E Azam said Tk 23 crore was allocated for a research project titled ‘Implementation of Bangabandhu's Ideology and the Spirit of the Liberation War’, yet no substantive research work was carried out.
He further alleged that former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina had politicised the legacy of freedom fighters. “She turned freedom fighters into a privileged group and used ministry resources for partisan gains, conducting Awami League politics using infrastructures built in the name of the Liberation War,” he said.
Addressing concerns over the assets of the Muktijoddha Kalyan Trust, the adviser said many valuable properties under the trust remain unprotected and underutilised.
In response, the Chief Adviser ordered the immediate appointment of a consultant and formation of a committee to assess how these properties can be better managed and leveraged to enhance the trust’s operations. “We must revive this trust,” he said.
Prof Yunus called on all concerned to ensure that future ministry projects uphold and reflect the true spirit and historical facts of the Liberation War.
During the meeting, officials also presented a review of the ministry’s key achievements during the interim government as well as a six-month action plan.
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