Farooq-e-Azam, adviser to the interim government on liberation war affairs ministry, said action will be taken against those who enjoy relevant benefits despite not being freedom fighters.
He made the remark to journalists after a meeting with Australian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Nardia Simpson on Sunday, held at his office in the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief.
Addressing the issue of fake freedom fighters, the adviser said, “During the mass uprising, one of the key statements was that a list will be prepared on how many people got jobs in government and semi-government institutions under the freedom fighters’ children quota.
“After making the list, we will see whether these people are the children of real freedom fighters or not, and whether the process was fair or not.”
He continued, “There are about 3,700 case proceedings are underway. Bangladesh has the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs and National Freedom Fighter Council. The council determines who the freedom fighters are, and the ministry implements it.
“The legal issues are being looked into. Complaints are coming from many places about fake freedom fighters. There are also objections to the definition of a freedom fighter. I will make a decision in this regard as soon as I can reach a phase.”
Farooq then pointed out, “We will make sure that the freedom fighters are honoured fairly, as the 1971 Liberation War is a once in a lifetime event for our nation. We cannot undermine the dignity of 1971 through jokes or neglect.
“No other event comes even close to the glory of 1971 for Bangladesh.”
When asked whether the government plans to take action against the fake freedom fighters upon finding evidence, Farooq said, “Why not? The nation has been cheated. If someone takes freedom fighter benefits, without actually being a freedom fighter, it is a punishable offence.
“This is also insulting to the real freedom fighters, and they should no longer suffer such insults.”
