"Members of the Mujibnagar Government, including Bangabandhu and Tajuddin, are recognized as 'valiant freedom fighters', while others are referred to as 'associates'"
The adviser stated that the ordinance does not revoke anyone's status; it merely redefines the terminology.
Mujibnagar Govt Leaders Recognised as ‘Valiant Freedom Fighters’; Others as ‘Associates’
The amended Jatiya Muktijoddha Council (Jamuka) Ordinance, issued by the Ministry of Law, Justice, and Parliamentary Affairs on Tuesday night, redefines the classification of freedom fighters and introduces new terms for those who contributed to the Liberation War in other roles.
Under the new ordinance, key figures of the Mujibnagar Government—including Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, who was declared president, Syed Nazrul Islam (acting president), Tajuddin Ahmad (prime minister), M Mansur Ali (finance minister), AHM Qamaruzzaman (home minister), and Khondaker Mostaq Ahmad (foreign minister)—will be officially recognised as “valiant freedom fighters.”
The ordinance clarifies that while all members of the Mujibnagar Government are considered freedom fighters, officials and employees of the government-in-exile will now be classified as “associates of the Liberation War.” This includes those who were previously listed as freedom fighters but did not participate in direct combat.
Faruk-e-Azam, adviser to the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs, told Prothom Alo that the ordinance does not revoke anyone’s recognition or benefits—it simply redefines categories. “Only those who directly fought on the battlefield will be called ‘valiant freedom fighters.’ Others will be known as ‘associates of the Liberation War,’” he said.
The ordinance establishes five categories of "associates":
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Professionals and expatriates who mobilised international support for the Liberation War;
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Officials and staff of the Mujibnagar Government, including doctors, nurses, and aides;
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MNAs and MPAs who were later part of the Constituent Assembly;
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Artistes and staff of Swadhin Bangla Betar Kendra, and journalists who supported the war;
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Members of the Swadhin Bangla Football Team.
Previously, some individuals in these categories—such as members of the Swadhin Bangla Football Team—were recognised as freedom fighters. They will now be considered associates.
The revised definition of “freedom fighter” includes civilians who were of eligible age and underwent training or fought between 26 March and 16 December 1971, either inside Bangladesh or in Indian camps. It also includes members of the armed forces, EPR, police, Muktibahini, naval commandos, Kilo Force, Ansar, and others recognised by the Mujibnagar Government, as well as women subjected to sexual violence by the Pakistani army and its collaborators, and medical personnel who treated injured fighters at field hospitals.
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