By Kashem Mahmud

DHAKA, March 27, 2025 (BSS) - Liberation War Affairs Adviser Faruk E Azam has said the work of classifying 'battlefield freedom fighters (FFs)' and 'associate FFs' is underway by determining who played what role in the 1971 Liberation War.

"Simply, those, who fought, are 'battlefield FFs'. And those, who were involved in campaign, artistes, sportsmen and mobilizing public opinion abroad, are 'associate FFs'. The decision of classifying the FFs is being taken to give due respect to those who contributed to the Liberation War," he said.

The adviser revealed the information at a special interview with BSS recently.

Explaining the definition of the freedom fighters, Azam said those, who fought in frontline battles against the Pakistani occupation forces and their local allies in different parts of Bangladesh from March 26 to December 16, will be regarded as the freedom fighters on the battlefield.

Besides, those, who campaigned to mobilize public opinion abroad, including players of the Swadhin Bangla football team, artistes of Swadhin Bangla Betar Kendra, journalists, doctors, nurses and medical assistants are being considered for recognition as associate freedom fighters, he added.

"We have many foreign friends who worked for Bangladesh at that time to mobilize international public opinion and recognition in their countries. We can also consider them as 'associate freedom fighters," the adviser said.

Noting that the contribution and recognition of a freedom fighter, who embraced martyrdom or disabilities on the battlefield, or he, who clinched the victory fighting against the enemy, can never be the same as that of a freedom fighter who lived comfortably crossing the border, Azam said, "It is our moral and constitutional duty to give due respects to everyone they deserve".

Many of those, who fought on the battlefield risking their lives and embraced martyrdom or disabilities, are farmers, workers, uneducated and semi-educated hardworking people from the rural villages, he said, adding, the country has been liberated due to their patriotism and sacrifices.

But many people many crossed the border during the Liberation War to save their lives and stayed in refugee camps, the adviser said, adding, after the country achieved independence, many returned to the country and were included in the list of freedom fighters for political reasons.

"They are enjoying government benefits," he said, adding, after 54 years of independence, a large number of complaints are found over inclusion of fake freedom fighters.

So far, the government has received complaints from different districts against 90,000 fake freedom fighters, Azam said, adding, of these, 40,000 data entries have been completed while work is underway to enter 50,000 data.

After scrutinizing the complaints, the government will discuss the matter with everyone while a notification will be issued following the approval from the Advisory Council.