Bangladesh interim govt denies revoking Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s freedom fighter status

It added, "The definition of a freedom fighter was originally established in 1972 and later revised in 2018 and 2022. However, the respect, recognition, and benefits granted to both freedom fighters and their wartime allies remain unchanged."

The move comes amid a wave of political controversy and public anxiety after unverified reports surfaced on social media suggesting that Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and other senior leaders of Bangladesh’s liberation war had been stripped of their officially recognised freedom fighter status.

The clarification comes amid confusion over a new ordinance redefining the term "freedom fighter" and creating a special category for 'Liberation War' associates. Media reports, cited by the Dhaka Tribune, claimed that recognition was revoked for over 400 elected leaders from the 1970 polls who played key roles in Bangladesh’s independence.

Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, often referred to as the "Father of the Nation," played a pivotal role in the country's 1971 liberation war against Pakistan and later became Bangladesh’s first president and prime minister. He was assassinated in 1975 during a military coup along with most of his family members. His daughter, Sheikh Hasina, served as prime minister for several terms and is widely regarded as the inheritor of Mujib's political legacy.

The Yunus-led interim government, which assumed control amid Bangladesh’s recent political upheaval, has been facing intense scrutiny both domestically and internationally.