Staff Reporter:
Liberation War Affairs Minister Ahmed Azam Khan yesterday said legal efforts will be intensified to prepare an accurate list of freedom fighters (FFs).
He made the remarks yesterday while inaugurating a special workshop held at the ministry’s conference room, aimed at ensuring the swift and effective disposal of various writ petitions, service-related cases, administrative tribunal cases, and contempt of court cases filed against the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs.
The minister said in the past, the state’s interests were not adequately protected in government cases for various reasons.
However, the situation has now improved significantly, he said, adding that skilled legal officers from the Attorney General’s Office and officials of the concerned ministry are working in coordination and with dedication to safeguard the state’s interests and dignity.
He said the workshop would help establish effective coordination among the Attorney General’s Office, the Solicitor Wing, and ministry officials, thereby facilitating the identification and prompt resolution of existing legal complexities.
Regarding the recovery of properties belonging to the ministry, including those of Bangladesh Freedom Fighter Welfare Trust, the minister said that due to long-standing mismanagement, irregularities, and collusion among various parties, a significant amount of state assets had been lost. The current govern-ment and the ministry are firmly committed to recovering these assets, he said.
Referring to the preparation of the lists of freedom fighters and martyrs, the minister said that preserving these important aspects of national history in an accurate and evidence-based manner is the responsibility of the state.
He noted that controversies surrounding various past decisions and processes should be reviewed on the basis of research, data, evidence, and the legal framework.
Regarding the identification of non-freedom fighters, he stated that there have been allegations that a significant number of ineligible individuals were included in the freedom fighters’ list through various irregularities over the years.
The ministry is conducting verification and screening activities to ensure the rights and dignity of genu-ine freedom fighters, he said, adding that legal action will be taken against those who are not genuine freedom fighters but have been enlisted and are receiving state benefits.
State Minister Ishraque Hossain, Liberation War Secretary Md. Ashraful Islam, senior ministry officials, solicitors, legal officers from the Attorney General’s Office, and lawyers of the Supreme Court were present.
