Gazette of 481 fake freedom fighters cancelled

The government has cancelled the official gazette status of 481 individuals identified as fake freedom fighters, according to Liberation War Affairs Minister Ahmed Azam Khan.

He said the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs is actively working to identify those who falsely enlisted as freedom fighters and received financial benefits during the previous regime.

The statement was made in Parliament in response to an urgent public notice raised by Sylhet-3 lawmaker Mohammad Abdul Malique under Rule 71, with Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed presiding.

The minister noted that the cancellations took place between August 2024 and March this year.

He added that the ministry is continuing the verification process to revoke the enrollment of more fake claimants.

Ahmed Azam Khan also said that a significant number of these fraudulent enlistments occurred during the previous regime. The National Freedom Fighters Council (Jatiya Muktijoddha Council or JAMUKA), an autonomous body under the ministry, is responsible for identifying and verifying genuine freedom fighters.He explained that investigating complaints about fake freedom fighters is an ongoing process.

When a complaint is received, a sub-committee of the council conducts an ????? and hearing before making recommendations. Based on these recommendations, the government takes action to cancel the gazette status.In addition, the minister said that expatriate freedom fighters will be issued digital certificates and smart cards after proper verification of their applications.