Parliament told of missing martyr records

More than five decades after Bangladesh’s independence, the government has yet to collect complete information on the families of 448 martyrs who were killed in frontline combat during the 1971 Liberation War, Liberation War Affairs Minister Ahmed Azam Khan informed parliament on Thursday.

The minister disclosed the information while responding to a question from reserved-seat lawmaker Rokeya Begum during the question-and-answer session.

In her written question, Rokeya Begum sought an explanation as to why the gazette notifications for around 1,400 listed martyr families from various districts and upazilas across the country had not yet been fully published.

Replying to the query, Ahmed Azam Khan said the government has already published the list of those martyred in frontline battles during the Liberation War, with gazette notifications issued for 1,399 martyr families.

Providing a breakdown of the remaining cases, the minister said the heirs of 387 martyrs could not be traced despite efforts by the authorities.

He added that the families of 11 martyrs had expressed no interest in receiving government allowances, while six martyred freedom fighters are currently receiving benefits under the general freedom fighter category.

The minister further said that 165 martyr families have shown interest in receiving allowances but have been unable to provide the necessary documentation.

The ministry has undertaken an initiative to collect and verify the required information, he added.

According to the minister, allowances have recently been introduced for the families of 40 martyrs, while payments are already being made, or official files have been processed, for 342 others.

He told parliament that information-gathering efforts are continuing for the remaining 448 martyrs whose family records have yet to be fully verified.

The minister said the government remains engaged in identifying eligible beneficiaries and ensuring that recognised martyr families receive the support and benefits to which they are entitled.