Ordinance issued to change definition of freedom fighters

The interim government has issued an ordinance amending the National Freedom Fighters Council Act, which was passed three years ago, with a new definition for “valiant freedom fighters”.

The ordinance, issued on Tuesday night, also includes a new definition for “associates of freedom fighters”. New definitions were also introduced for some other issues, including the Liberation War.

The ordinance from the Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs makes several amendments to 10 sections of the law as well as changing the definitions.

The words “Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman” and portions of the law that mentioned the name of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman have been deleted.

The draft of the National Freedom Fighters Council (Amendment) Ordinance-2025 was given in principle and final approvals at the meeting of the Advisory Council on May 15.

The new ordinance defines the Liberation War 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 FOR VALIANT FREEDOM FIGHTERS

The new definition states that a valiant freedom fighter is someone who, between Mar 26 and Dec 16, 1971, either prepared for war and received internal training within villages across the country, or crossed the border into India to enrol in various training camps with the aim of participating in the Liberation War.

It also includes, all civilians whose age at the time is within the minimum range prescribed by the government and who actively participated in the Liberation War against the invading and occupying Pakistani armed forces and their local collaborators.

In addition, it will also include members of the armed forces, East Pakistan Rifles (EPR), police forces, Mukti Bahini, the Government of Bangladesh in Exile (Mujibnagar Government) and other forces recognised by the said government as well as naval commandos, Kilo Force, and Ansar.

All women who were persecuted by the invading and occupying Pakistani forces and their collaborators will be recognised as valiant freedom fighters as well, alongside all doctors, nurses and medical assistants of field hospitals who provided medical services to the heroic freedom fighters injured during the Liberation War.

The definition of “associates of freedom fighters” is split into five categories in the ordinance and recognises those Bangladeshi citizens who have directly participated and cooperated in inspiring valiant freedom fighters within the country or abroad and playing the role of an organiser in the effort to accelerate the Liberation War effort and contributed to achieving Bangladesh’s independence, building global opinion, gaining diplomatic support and bolstering psychological resolve.

CATEGORIES FOR ASSOCIATES OF FREEDOM FIGHTERS

The list of “associates of freedom fighters” recognises Bangladeshi professionals who made special contributions to the war effort while abroad and Bangladeshi citizens who played an active role in shaping world public opinion.

It also recognises individuals who served as officers or employees or envoys under the Mujibnagar Government, the Bangladeshi government formed in exile during the Liberation War, as well as doctors, nurses or other assistants appointed by that government.

All members of the National Assembly (MNAs) and members of the Provincial Assembly (MPAs) associated with the Mujibnagar Government during the Liberation War and who were later considered members of the Constituent Assembly are also included.

Artistes and technicians of the Swadhin Bangla Betar Kendra, all Bangladeshi journalists who served in support of the Liberation War at home and abroad, and the Swadhin Bangla Football Team also fall under this definition.