Recognition of guerrillas: Govt seeks stay on HC order
The government has filed a petition with the Supreme Court seeking stay on a High Court verdict that directed for recognising 2,367 members of a special guerrilla force during the country's Liberation War in 1971 as freedom fighters.
The liberation war affairs ministry submitted the petition through the attorney general’s office yesterday saying that the members of the guerrilla force had been given recognition as freedom fighters under the banners of organisations like National Awami Party and Communist Party, though freedom fighters are given recognition following their individual application under the Muktijoddha Command Council Act, 2002.
The chamber judge of the Appellate Division may hold hearing on the stay petition next week, Attorney General Mahbubey Alam told The Daily Star today.
Following a writ petition, the HC on September 8 declared illegal the government’s decision voiding recognition of the guerrilla fighters as freedom fighters on October 29, 2014, and directed the government to recognise 2,367 members of the guerrilla force as freedom fighters and to give them status, dignity and facilities on a par with freedom fighters.
The liberation war affairs ministry issued a gazette in July 2013 proclaiming members of the guerilla force, including Comrade Moni Singh and NAP President Prof Mozaffar Ahmed, freedom fighters. The two were advisers to the government-in-exile in 1971.
The ministry, as recommended by Jatiyo Muktijoddha Council, cancelled their recognition in 2014.
Comments