A significant amendment to the 'National Freedom Fighters Council Act, 2022' is in the works, aiming to redefine who qualifies as a “freedom fighter” in Bangladesh’s 1971 War of Independence.
Under the proposed changes, only those who directly engaged in armed combat against the Pakistani forces on the battlefield will be recognised as “freedom fighters,” while others who supported the war effort through organising, diplomacy, or public advocacy will be classified as “associates of the liberation war.”
The draft, titled the 'National Freedom Fighters Council (Amendment) Ordinance, 2025,' has been prepared by the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs following consultations with stakeholders.
It is expected to be tabled for approval at the Advisory Council meeting in the first week of March. According to ministry data, there are currently 91,998 living freedom fighters, with a total of 2,56,476 registered in the gazette as per the Management Information System (MIS).
A shift in definition
Currently, the law recognises eight categories of individuals—including those who trained in India, shaped global opinion, served in the Mujibnagar government, or worked as artists and journalists—as “heroic freedom fighters,” even if they did not fight directly.
However, the amendment seeks to reserve the title of “freedom fighter” exclusively for battlefield combatants, responding to demands from freedom fighter organisations.
Liberation War Affairs Adviser Faruk E Azam, also a decorated war hero, spoke to Jago News about the motivation behind the change. “Various freedom fighter organiations approached me, strongly objecting to those who fought armed battles being lumped together with others,” he said.
“I’m a fighter like them, and I believe their demand is fair. While I worked safely in various ways for Bangladesh’s independence—which was no less important—it should be defined differently.”
He emphasised that the amendment aims to clarify distinctions: “Those who fought on the battlefield will be liberation fighters, and those who supported them in diverse roles—forming public opinion abroad, working at Swadhin Bangla Betar Kendra, or serving in Mujibnagar Government — will be associates of the liberation war.”
Key changes in the ordinance
The draft ordinance removes the phrase “in response to the declaration of independence by Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman” from the definition of a freedom fighter, a shift Faruk justified by citing fighters’ sentiments.
“Freedom fighters say they went to war out of love for the country, not under orders. The current wording suggests we were reluctant, which isn’t true. Only love can drive someone to risk their life,” he explained.
Additionally, the ordinance expands recognition to include all women victimised by Pakistani forces and their collaborators, as well as medical personnel who treated wounded fighters in field hospitals, classifying them as “freedom fighters”.
Meanwhile, “associates of the liberation war” will encompass those who, from March 26 to December 16, 1971, organised efforts, built international support, or provided psychological backing to hasten independence.
Faruk clarified that the amendment does not affect allowances or privileges but focuses solely on status. “No one objects to benefits. This is about ensuring only battlefield fighters hold the liberation fighter title,” he said.
Current law vs proposed changes
Under the existing law, a “heroic freedom fighter” includes anyone who, between March 26 and December 16, 1971, actively fought the Pakistani army and its allies—such as Jamaat-e-Islami, Razakars, and Al-Badr—or participated in recognised forces like the Mukti Bahini, Mujib Bahini, police, or EPR Naval Commandos. It also covers non-combatants like Biranganas (war heroines), Swadhin Bangla Betar Kendra artists, and Mujibnagar Government staff.
The amendment narrows this scope, stripping non-combatants of the “freedom fighter” label while honouring their contributions as associates. Faruk noted that the draft has been vetted and refined based on feedback from freedom fighter organisations, with a final version set for review by Thursday’s National Freedom Fighters Council meeting before submission to the Advisory Council.
Age debate and legal hurdles
The minimum age for freedom fighter recognition—currently 12 years and 6 months during the war—remains under scrutiny due to an ongoing court case. “If the court upholds this age, many non-freedom fighters could be removed from the list,” Faruk said, adding that efforts are underway to resolve the case swiftly.
Stakeholder input
The ministry has engaged extensively with stakeholders, including a meeting with freedom fighter groups on Sunday, February 23. “We’ve considered their views and will finalise the draft accordingly,” Faruk said, underscoring the ordinance’s aim to honour the sacrifices of 1971 while addressing long-standing grievances among veterans.