The interim government on Tuesday promulgated the Jatiya Muktijoddha Council (Amendment) Ordinance in a gazette making changes in the definition of a freedom fighter.
The government also introduced a separate category called ‘associate freedom fighter’ for those, who were staying outside the country and helped build opinions in favour of Bangladesh during the War of Independence.
The law ministry published the ordinance amending the Jatiya Muktijoddha Council Act 2022, dropping the members of ‘Mujib Bahini’ from the definition of freedom fighters.
The government introduced two separate categories: ‘Bir Muktijoddha’ and ‘Muktijuddher Sahajogi’ (associates of the War of Independence) in the new ordinance.
Under the classification, those who actively fought in the war—members of various forces, Biranganas, and those who served in field hospitals --- would be recognised as ‘Bir Muktijoddha’.
Besides, professionals, artists, journalists, diplomats, and others who helped build international opinion in favour of the war were called ‘associates of the War of Independence.
As per the existing act, anyone who contributed to the cause of the war at home and abroad is officially recognised as a ‘Bir Muktijoddha’. This includes elected public representatives and armed fighters who supported the War of Independence, Biranganas (female war heroes), members of various forces, professionals, athletes, artists, cultural activists, journalists, employees of the Mujibnagar government, and doctors and nurses of field hospitals.
The words ‘Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’ have been dropped from the JAMUKA act.
Earlier on May 15, the advisory council granted final approval to a draft ordinance of the Jatiya Muktijoddha Council (Amendment) Ordinance 2025, subject to vetting by the Legislative and Parliamentary Affairs Division.
