10k fake freedom fighters struck off list

Liberation War Affairs Minister AKM Mozammel Haque yesterday told parliament that the certificates of 10,000 fake freedom fighters accepted from 2002 to 2010 in the civil gazette list have been cancelled.

The process of verification and selection regarding the new inclusion of heroic freedom fighters and cancellation of the names of the accused persons is underway, he said in reply to a query from ruling Awami League MP Nurunnabi Chowdhury.

In a written answer, the minister also informed that the number of gazetted freedom fighters in the country is 1,83,560.

FREEDOM FIGHTERS WILL GET DIGITAL CERTIFICATE

Responding to a question from Awami League MP Benjir Ahmed, Haque said the government will distribute digital certificates (permanent certificates) among the valiant freedom fighters while smart cards among the living freedom fighters.

"The matter is under process," he said.

Once ready, the digital certificates will be distributed simultaneously throughout the country through Union Nirbahi Officers.

The temporary certificates are now void, he added.

STATE HONOR TO THE FAMILIES OF 1,700 MEMBERS OF THE INDIAN ARMED FORCES

In response to a question from Mamunur Rashid Kiran of Noakhali-3, the minister said the government has decided to give state honours to the families of 1,700 members of the Indian Armed Forces for their contribution to the liberation war.

So far, 13 families have been honoured. The remaining crests of honour, which is made of precious metal and silver, are in a safe vault at the Bangladesh Bank.

Once the pandemic is over, the crest will be delivered to the recipients' families, Haque said.