Since the Jamaat-controlled interim government led by Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus took office on August 8, 2024, Bangladesh has witnessed a series of contentious decisions and revisions related to the 1971 Liberation War. These actions, which are meant to change how history is told, redefine who freedom fighters are, and affect related organisations, have faced strong backlash for disrespecting the war’s pro-liberation heroes, including Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman; humiliating and detaining freedom fighters; and damaging war monuments and museums while giving favours to anti-liberation groups like Jamaat-e-Islami.
Drawing from official announcements, ministry sources, and public reactions, this article details the key developments since August 2024, incorporating all relevant quotes, decisions, and revisions.
Cancellation of Freedom Fighters’ Video Interviews
One of the earliest and most symbolic moves under the interim government was the scrapping of a large-scale project to preserve Liberation War histories through video interviews. The Ministry of Liberation War Affairs cited inaccuracies and failure to meet conditions as reasons for the decision.
The project, titled “Birer Kanthe Birgatha” (Heroes’ Tales in Heroes’ Voices), was initiated in 2022 under the Awami League government with a budget of Tk49.57 crore. It aimed to record personal experiences, memories, and wartime events from surviving freedom fighters for future generations, including nationwide interviews, video recording, editing, and a digital archive.
However, after reviewing the work, the ministry cancelled approximately 15,000 video interviews of valiant freedom fighters (Bir Muktijoddhas). Ministry officials told Prothom Alo, a content partner of DW, that the videos did not accurately portray the correct history of the Liberation War. “In the video interviews, there are various inconsistencies in the freedom fighters’ statements, incorrect information regarding the timeline and context of historical events, and deficiencies in presenting experiences,” an official stated.
He added: “If these videos reach future generations, they could create misleading or negative perceptions about the Liberation War. That’s why the decision was made to cancel the interviews.”
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The entire project was axed, with no payments to the contracted firm and no preservation of the recorded videos. Officials noted deficiencies in professionalism, including weak questionnaire preparation, fact-checking, historian oversight, and video editing. “In this state, keeping the project active would risk state-level preservation of wrong or misleading history,” the ministry concluded.
The contractor declined formal comment, but sources suggest potential legal complications over unpaid bills.
Ministry officials emphasised that preserving Liberation War history is an extremely sensitive and important task. Such initiatives may be undertaken again in the future, but in that case, emphasis will be placed on involving historians, researchers, and relevant experts with stricter standards.
This decision, made post-August 2024, aligns with Yunus’ early statement in an interview after taking the oath: “We have pressed the reset button and would rewrite history.”
Revision of Freedom Fighters’ Definition and Introduction of ‘Associates’
A pivotal revision came on June 3, 2025, when the interim government amended the National Freedom Fighters Council (JAMUKA) Act-2022 via an ordinance issued by the Law Ministry, headed by Adviser Dr. Asif Nazrul. This change redefined “freedom fighters” (Bir Muktijoddhas) and introduced a new category: “associates of the Liberation War.”
The new definition recognises as freedom fighters: civilians who actively participated directly in the war, members of the Mujibnagar Government and various armed wings, war heroines (Biranganas), doctors, and nurses. It includes armed forces, East Pakistan Rifles (EPR), Police Force, Mukti Bahini, Mujibnagar Government and other recognised forces, Naval Commandos, Kilo Force, and Ansar membersโbut excludes the Mujib Bahini from the previous list.
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“Associates” cover those who supported the war domestically or abroad without taking arms, including Mujibnagar Government officers and employees. However, ambiguity arises: While Mujibnagar Government members like Bangabandhu, Syed Nazrul Islam, and Tajuddin Ahmed are freedom fighters, all MNAs (Members of National Assembly) or MPAs (Members of Provincial Assembly)โlater Constituent Assembly membersโare categorised as associates.
The freedom fighter status of pro-liberation artists from Swadhin Bangla Betar Kendra, journalists, and footballers was revoked.
The ordinance removed Bangabandhu’s name from the preamble and freedom fighters’ definition, where he was previously mentioned as the key inspiration. It also omitted the Mujahid Bahini (comprising Bihari community members) from auxiliary forces and collaborators of the Pakistan Army, such as the Peace Committee, Razakar, al-Badr, al-Shams, Muslim League, Jamaat-e-Islami, and Nezam-e-Islam.
Critics argue this downplays Bangabandhu’s role, who proclaimed independence before his March 26, 1971, arrest and indirectly on March 7. Constitution expert Dr. Shahdeen Malik said: “By redefining the freedom fighters, the government has downplayed their role in the Liberation War. The ordinance has created questions and disputes in society. Since itโs a temporary law, it shouldnโt have been issued now. The next parliament will have to pass it.”
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Awami League leaders, including Sheikh Hasina, allege the government is rehabilitating defeated 1971 forces, patronised by Western masters and Pakistani intelligence. They point to Jamaat leader ATM Azharul Islam’s acquittal and release a week before the ordinance, Awami League’s political ban, suspension of its registration, charges against Hasina at the International Crimes Tribunal, and Jamaat’s reinstated Election Commission registration.
There are 208,050 registered freedom fighters, with 91,998 alive; the list will now be scrutinised under the new definition.
Government Clarifications Amid Criticism
Facing backlash, Liberation War Affairs Adviser Farooq-e-Azam clarified on June 4, 2025: “The new ordinance will consider Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and four national leaders as ‘heroic freedom fighters.’ All members of the Mujibnagar Government are freedom fighters. No one has been cancelled through this ordinance.”
He added: “However, the officials and employees of the government will be considered as associates. While verifying the list of freedom fighters, it was seen that some employees of the Mujibnagar Government are considered freedom fighters. From now on, they will be associates of the Liberation War.”
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On diplomats, including Swadhin Bangla Betar Kendra: “They are associated with freedom fighters. Associate does not mean that their honour has been tarnished.”
He alleged: “A debate is being created over the new definition of a brave freedom fighter, which is clearly mentioned in the ordinance. The definition of a freedom fighter was implemented in 1972. It was changed in 2018 and 2022. The honour, dignity, and privileges of both freedom fighters and collaborators of the Liberation War will remain the same.”
Criticism persists for neglecting the war, destroying museums/symbols/sculptures, and defaming Bangabandhu and the freedom fighters. Since August 2024, the names of Bangabandhu, Hasina, and veteran fighters have been removed from textbooks and establishments; the Bangladesh Bank released new currency notes without Bangabandhuโs image.
Textbook Revisions Removing Bangabandhu’s Mentions
Post-August 2024, the interim government revised textbooks to remove Bangabandhu as “Father of the Nation” and his historic March 7 speech. Earlier revisions included BNP founder General Ziaur Rahman for declaring independence on March 27, drawing severe criticism.
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On November 18, 2024, JAMUKA was reconstituted with 11 members, chaired by Adviser Farooq-e-Azam. Over 11 meetings in the past year, decisions include:
– Recommending 28 names (previously not listed) as “associates” for gazette inclusion. Some via court writs, direct applications, or Indian lists/Muktibarta.
– Cancelling gazettes of 336 who received allowances but failed to prove participation in hearings.
– Adding 84 new names as freedom fighters after verification.
– Rejecting 643 applications for failing to prove claims.
As of December 16, 2025, reclassification of the 206,231 listed freedom fighters (via MIS) hasn’t started due to complexities. A ministry source said: “Separate gazettes for valiant freedom fighters and associates are complex, difficult, and time-consuming. Verifying data could create conflicts among organisations. The interim government finds it hard to handle, so the elected government will take it up.”
At JAMUKA’s 101st meeting on November 2, 2025, Secretary Israt Chowdhury said: “Though the law is amended, currently everyone is known as valiant freedom fighters. Separate gazettes are needed per the amended law.”
Decisions: Gazette valiant fighters, including frontline warriors, the Mujibnagar Government, Biranganas, and field hospital staff. Separate gazette for associates like journalists and the Swadhin Bangla Football Team.
Mixed Reactions
Kishoreganj’s Mithamain Upazila Command Convener Mohammad Ibrahim said: “I participated directly in the war, risking death. Another is supported indirectly from abroad without risk. How are they equal? Classification is needed.” But: “Declaring someone an associate after 54 years of independence will socially demean them.”
Combined Freedom Fighters Forum President AM Shafiur Rahman said: “Creating a separate class as associates is wrong. Not everyone fights; some support. This classification is insulting to freedom fighters.”
Ministry data: 132,000 in the Lal Muktibarta list; 34 gazette types. Officials: “Separating from Lal Muktibarta and others like BCS/civilian gazettes will be tough.”
Scrutiny of Freedom Fighter Quota in Jobs
The ministry queried all ministries/divisions on quota jobs. Response: 90,527 appointed (Class I-IV), 72,077 verified, the rest ongoing.
Adviser Farooq-e-Azam: “We found many certificates where fake documents got quota jobs. Our job is just to count quota appointees. The next government will decide the rest.”
He added: “Staff doing quota verification for 9 months are busy, so reclassification is delayed. Remember, the July movement started over quotas.”
On war contributions: “Some with intellect, diplomacy, arms, volunteeringโall equal. It’s a multifaceted war. Awami League nurtured this spirit, but the war’s diversity lost value.”
These revisions reflect the interim government’s push for “resetting” history, but critics fear they erode the Liberation War’s foundational narrative. As elections approach in early 2026, the debate intensifies over balancing reform with preserving national identity.
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