Sunday, 5th April 2026
Khabor Wala Desk
Published: 23rd February 2026, 12:32 AM
The Minister for Liberation War Affairs, Hafiz Uddin Ahmed, Bir Bikram, has categorically asserted that the Great Liberation War of 1971 serves as the singular and definitive foundation of Bangladesh’s independence. Addressing a consultative meeting on Sunday, 22 February 2026, the Minister emphasised that while other socio-political movements have shaped the nation’s trajectory, they must not be conflated with or equated to the existential struggle of 1971.
Speaking at the conference room of the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs, where he presided over a session with members of the National Freedom Fighter Council (JAMUKA), the Minister expressed profound concern over the protracted political exploitation of the war’s legacy. He argued that years of historical revisionism and the partisan “weaponisation” of the spirit of the Liberation War have had a detrimental effect on the national consciousness, particularly among the youth.
“The history and the ethos of our liberation have been misused for so long that a significant portion of the younger generation has been deprived of the authentic narrative,” the Minister remarked. He noted that the immense sacrifices made by the freedom fighters—marked by unparalleled bravery and hardship—remain largely unappreciated or misunderstood by many today.
The meeting served as a platform to outline several strategic decisions aimed at purging the official records of inaccuracies and ensuring the dignity of genuine veterans. A primary focus was the rigorous scrutiny and verification of the list of freedom fighters to eliminate fraudulent claims that emerged during previous administrations.
| Strategic Priority | Objective |
|---|---|
| List Verification | Identifying and removing non-genuine names from the official registry. |
| Historical Preservation | Documenting oral histories and archival data to prevent future distortion. |
| Youth Engagement | Developing educational curricula that reflect the true scale of the 1971 struggle. |
| JAMUKA Oversight | Strengthening the Council’s role in veteran welfare and ethical governance. |
Minister Hafiz Uddin Ahmed reiterated that the birth of the state is inextricably linked to the events of 1971, distinguishing it from subsequent democratic uprisings or student movements. By maintaining this distinction, the Ministry aims to restore the sanctity of the veterans’ contributions.
The session was attended by Ishrat Chowdhury, Secretary of the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs, along with senior officials and council members. The assembly concluded with a firm commitment to institutionalise a transparent process for honoring those who took up arms for the nation’s sovereignty.
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