'Cancel certificates of 109 fake FFs in Dimla'

Freedom fighters in Dimla upazila of the district have demanded cancellation of the certificates of fake freedom fighters issued in last couple of years.
As part of a weeklong agitation programme, over a hundred freedom fighters of the upazila formed a human chain in front of 'Muktijoddha Sangsad upazila command' office on Dimla-Nilphamari road on Saturday and held a roadside meeting.
"According to the genuine list enrolled in the training camps of neighbouring India, there are a total of 148 freedom fighters in the upazila. But the authorities issued certificates to 109 fake freedom fighters in last two years," Rashidul Islam, former upazila unit commander of Muktijoddha Sangsad said at the meeting.
Abul Kashem, former deputy commander of the upazila unit, alleged that a section of officials in Liberation War Affairs Ministry are issuing the fake certificates in exchange of money.
"The ill-practice intensified after the government dissolved all elected district and upazila commands in the middle of last year.
"Earlier recommendations of elected upazila and district unit commanders of the organisation were needed for identification of genuine freedom fighters and issuing new certificates for those who could not be enrolled in the past. But in absence of district and upazila commands, the process is not being followed," he added.
Fake freedom fighters' sons and daughters are taking the opportunity for getting jobs as per government policy while sons and daughters of genuine freedom fighters are being deprived, speakers said at the meeting.
They demanded immediate cancellation of the fake certificates to enable genuine freedom fighters and their wards to get due honour and benefit.
It is also important for preserving the real history of our Liberation War and heroic deeds of genuine freedom fighters, they said.
They warned of launching tougher programme if the demand is not met.
Former upazila unit commander Anwar Hossain, freedom fighters Abdullah Choudhury and Mofizar Rahman spoke at the meeting, among others.