Govt working to prepare accurate list of Liberation War martyrs: PM

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman today (15 July) said the government is working to prepare an accurate and comprehensive list of those martyred during the 1971 Liberation War through research and verification.

Responding to a starred question from Pirojpur-3 BNP lawmaker Md Ruhul Amin Dulal in parliament, he said successive governments after independence had failed to prepare a neutral and comprehensive list of Liberation War martyrs.

“Unfortunately, those responsible for preparing a neutral and comprehensive list of those martyred in the Liberation War after the country’s independence did not do so. Instead, the process became politicised,” he said.

The prime minister said the present government had pledged in its election manifesto to prepare a comprehensive list of Liberation War martyrs based on extensive research.

To fulfil that commitment, he said, the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs has taken several initiatives, including holding meetings with Liberation War researchers, maintaining consultations with relevant stakeholders, and formulating a detailed action plan.

“The government believes these initiatives will help prepare an accurate and widely accepted list of those martyred during the Liberation War and the genocide, and ensure proper recognition of their sacrifices,” he said.

Replying to a supplementary question from Kurigram-1 Jamaat lawmaker Md Anwarul Islam, Tarique said the BNP considers it a sacred responsibility to uphold the values of the Liberation War and honour freedom fighters.

He reiterated that those entrusted with preparing an accurate and impartial list of freedom fighters after independence had failed to do so, while later efforts were also hindered by various problems.

The government is now working with experts to prepare a complete and accurate list based on credible research and verification, he added.