Govt working to finalise full list of 1971 martyrs, genocide victims: Minister

Liberation War Affairs Minister Ahmed Azam Khan said the ministry has taken multiple steps to prepare a complete list of martyrs of the Liberation War.

He made the statement in response to a written question from MP Md Ruhul Amin Dulal during the question-and-answer session of the Jatiya Sangsad today (29 April).

The ministers’ responses were placed on the question-and-answer table of the House on the same day.

In his question, Ruhul Amin Dulal sought to know whether a list would be prepared of those who were martyred and killed in the 1971 Liberation War.

In reply, the Liberation War Affairs Minister Azam said, “The number of martyred freedom fighters enlisted in government gazettes stands at 6,480. According to gazette categories, the number of martyred personnel is 3,698 civilians, 1,541 from the armed forces, 817 from the Border Guard Bangladesh, 423 from the police, and one from the Ansar force, bringing the total to 6,480.”

“In addition, the number of martyred intellectuals listed in the gazette is 560,” he added.

He further said, “Countless people were victims of genocide during the Liberation War, but it is unfortunate that even after so many years of independence, a precise and comprehensive list of them has not been prepared. Their sacrifices made the country’s long-cherished independence possible.”

The minister said that recognizing the importance of the issue, the present government has made a commitment in its election manifesto to prepare a comprehensive list of Liberation War martyrs based on in-depth research.

Azam said, “To implement this commitment, the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs has already undertaken various initiatives. These include organizing expert meetings with Liberation War researchers, conducting continuous discussions with relevant stakeholders, and formulating a detailed and realistic action plan based on which further activities will be carried out.”

He expressed hope that through such initiatives, it would be possible to prepare an accurate and acceptable list of genocide victims and all martyrs, ensuring due recognition and respect for their sacrifices.