More than five decades after independence, controversy surrounding the list of freedom fighters in Bangladesh has not subsided; rather, it has become increasingly complex and questionable over time. Alongside genuine freedom fighters, there have long been allegations that influential individuals—despite not participating in the war—have secured recognition as freedom fighters.
Critics say that successive governments have determined the number of freedom fighters, granted recognition, and shaped narratives according to their own political positions. This has created public skepticism over the process of verification and inclusion.
Although the interim government recently pledged a strict stance on the issue, fresh controversy has emerged following new gazette publications, cancellations, and revisions. According to relevant sources, 260 individuals have been newly recognized as freedom fighters during this period, while many others have had their gazettes canceled or revised, raising further questions.
Freedom fighters themselves argue that granting recognition as a freedom fighter or “associate freedom fighter” without consulting actual freedom fighters is a sensitive and complex matter. They believe such decisions could create further confusion in the future.
Data from the National Freedom Fighters Council (JAMUKA) and the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs show that 11 meetings were held after the change in government. These meetings reviewed issues such as identifying fake freedom fighters, verifying the Red Freedom Fighter Gazette, examining the Indian list, and canceling or issuing new gazettes.
According to ministry records, 260 individuals were newly gazetted as freedom fighters under various categories during the interim government’s tenure. Of them, 191 names were published hurriedly toward the end of the government’s term. At the same time, gazettes of 396 individuals were canceled from the Red Gazette and Indian list, while 25 were reinstated and 69 others were regularized.
Additionally, through revisions, 127 individuals were reclassified from freedom fighters to “associate freedom fighters.” Between June 2025 and January of the current year—a span of seven months—gazettes were published for 275 individuals, including 191 in January alone.
Under the amended ordinance of 2025, 40 individuals were newly recognized as “associates of the Liberation War.” Among them, 31 were newly included, while 9 were added after canceling previous gazettes. In one meeting, gazettes of 75 individuals were also canceled from the Red Freedom Fighter list.
Government data further shows that a commemorative list includes 1,363 organizers, members of parliament, and other important individuals. In addition, from 2021 to June 2024, a total of 560 martyred intellectuals were listed through gazette notifications in four phases.
In the Bangladesh Liberation War, a total of 672 individuals received gallantry awards. The only foreign recipient of the Bir Protik title is W.A.S. Ouderland, who made outstanding contributions during the war.
From 2010 to 2026, ministry data shows that gazettes have been published for 17,743 freedom fighters. During this period, 9,759 gazettes were revised and 4,344 were canceled. In addition, 18,920 civilian gazettes were regularized.
Ministry Secretary Israt Chowdhury stated that two amended ordinances regarding the reclassification of freedom fighters as associate freedom fighters are expected to be placed in parliament. Meanwhile, JAMUKA Director General Shahina Khatun said that every application is carefully reviewed before recommending recognition. However, she acknowledged inconsistencies in the Indian list, indicating the need for further verification.
Analysts say that to resolve the long-standing controversy surrounding the freedom fighter list, a transparent, neutral, and credible verification process is essential. Otherwise, this sensitive issue is likely to remain a source of debate in the future.
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