The government has initiated action to identify and remove individuals wrongly listed as freedom fighters on political grounds during the previous government, Liberation War affairs Minister Ahmad Azam Khan said today (5 April).
From August 2024 to March 2026, the gazette status of 481 individuals has been cancelled following nationwide investigations and verification processes, the minister said during a parliament session in response to a question from Sylhet-3 lawmaker Mohammed Abdul Malique.
In his question, the MP alleged that over the past 15 years, genuine freedom fighters were overlooked while some dishonest individuals secured inclusion in the list using false information and subsequently enjoyed state benefits.
In response, the minister acknowledged that some opportunistic individuals had entered the list through dishonest means.
He said scrutiny was underway and a subcommittee was tasked with conducting regular hearings based on the allegations.
If allegations are proven, their certificates and gazette recognition would be cancelled, the minister said.
He said that expatriate freedom fighters who have not yet received digital certificates or smart ID cards will be provided with them promptly upon application.
The minister assured that the government remained committed to protecting the dignity, rights and benefits of verified freedom fighters across the country.
