Government Revises Definition of Freedom Fighters

The government has issued the National Freedom Fighters Council (Amendment) Ordinance, 2025, revising the definition of freedom fighters. The President promulgated the ordinance through an official gazette notification on Tuesday night (June 3). According to the ordinance, individuals who did not directly participate in the Liberation War but were part of the Mujibnagar Government, Birangonas (women subjected to wartime atrocities), and doctors, nurses, and medical assistants who treated injured fighters during the war will now be recognized as freedom fighters. Others who supported the Liberation War effort will be categorized as Associates of the Liberation War.

As a result, many individuals previously listed as freedom fighters will now be reclassified as associates. However, according to the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs, this reclassification will not affect their entitlements or benefits. Revised Definition of Freedom Fighter The new ordinance defines freedom fighters as: “Those who, between March 26 and December 16, 1971, engaged in preparation and training for combat inside Bangladesh, or crossed the border to receive training in Indian camps with the intention to fight in the Liberation War; those who actively fought against the occupying Pakistani armed forces and their local collaborators — including Razakar, Al-Badr, Al-Shams, the then Muslim League, Jamaat-e-Islami, Nezam-e-Islam, and members of Peace Committees — for the independence of Bangladesh.

Eligible individuals include civilians within the government-specified minimum age at the time, members of the armed forces, East Pakistan Rifles (EPR), police, Mukti Bahini, the expatriate Bangladesh government (Mujibnagar Government) and its recognised forces, naval commandos, and Kilo Flight members.” Additionally, Birangonas and medical personnel who provided services to injured freedom fighters at field hospitals will now also be recognized as freedom fighters under this ordinance. Definition of Liberation War Associates The ordinance introduces a new category titled Associates of the Liberation War, defined as:

“Bangladeshi citizens who, either inside the country or abroad, inspired freedom fighters and contributed to accelerating the Liberation War and the country's independence by playing roles in organising efforts, building global public opinion, gaining diplomatic support, and enhancing psychological strength.”

This category includes:

• Bangladeshi professionals who contributed significantly to the war effort while residing abroad;

• Individuals who actively worked to build international public opinion in support of the war;

• Officials, employees, or envoys of the Mujibnagar Government, including government-appointed doctors, nurses, and assistants;

• Members of the expatriate Mujibnagar Government who later joined the Constituent Assembly;

• Artists and staff of Swadhin Bangla Betar Kendra;

• Bangladeshi journalists who worked in favour of the Liberation War at home and abroad;

• Members of the Swadhin Bangla Football Team.