The interim government of Bangladesh, led by Mohammad Yunus, has issued a new ordinance that changes the definition of “freedom fighter” (Bir Muktijoddha). This move has resulted in the removal of the freedom fighter status from Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and over 400 others who were earlier recognised for their contributions during the 1971 Liberation War.
The ordinance, issued on Tuesday night, June 3, amends the National Freedom Fighters Council Act and introduces a new category called “associates of the Liberation War”, local media reports said.
Under the revised rules, members of the wartime Mujibnagar government who were later part of the post-war constituent assembly will now be considered associates instead of freedom fighters.
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According to the new ordinance, the Liberation War is defined as: “The war waged from March 26 to December 16, 1971, to establish equality, human dignity and social justice for the people of Bangladesh as an independent democratic state against the invading and occupying Pakistani armed forces and their collaborators — the Razakars, Al-Badr, Al-Shams, Muslim League, Jamaat-e-Islami, Nezame-Islam, and the Peace Committee.”
The new definition also covers professionals who supported the war effort from abroad, officials and staff of the Mujibnagar government, doctors, nurses, and others who served in the government’s wartime structure.
Artistes and crew of Swadhin Bangla Betar Kendra, Bangladeshi journalists who supported the war, and members of the Swadhin Bangla Football Team are also included in this associate category.
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As a result, the status of several prominent figures, including Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, former Prime Minister Tajuddin Ahmad, and acting President Syed Nazrul Islam, is affected. These individuals were earlier recognised as freedom fighters due to their leadership roles during the war and later as members of the constituent assembly.
The ordinance redefines the Liberation War as the struggle from March 26 to December 16, 1971, for equality, dignity, and justice against the Pakistani army and their local collaborators. The definition of a freedom fighter is now limited to those who received training either within the country or in India and directly participated in the armed struggle.
The ordinance also removes references to Sheikh Mujibur Rahman as the Father of the Nation from the law and deletes portions of the previous act that were included in his name.
The changes have led to criticism from some researchers and observers who say the decision reflects repeated efforts by different governments to reshape the official list of freedom fighters.
