Liberation War Affairs Minister Ahmed Azam Khan today said that according to the integrated list preserved in the ministry there are currently 198,037 recognised freedom fighters in Bangladesh.
He provided this information in response to a question from ruling party MP AM Mahbub Uddin Khokon.
The minister further said increasing the honorarium allowance for freedom fighters is not currently under government consideration.
The minister highlighted the various allowances provided to freedom fighters.
At present, each freedom fighter receives a monthly honorarium of Tk 20,000, a festival allowance of Tk 10,000, and a Bangla New Year allowance of Tk 2,000. In addition, living freedom fighters receive a Victory Day allowance of Tk 5,000.
In addition, through the Bangladesh Freedom Fighters Welfare Trust, each martyr’s family receives a monthly honorarium of Tk 23,000, while each Bir Sreshtho family receives Tk 28,000.
Martyrs' families receive a medical allowance of Tk 2,000 each and a food allowance of Tk 5,000.
Among the gallantry awarded freedom fighters, a Bir Sreshtho family receives a monthly honorarium of Tk 30,000 and a Bangla New Year allowance of Tk 2,000. A Bir Uttom family receives a monthly honorarium of Tk 25,000, Bir Bikram receives a monthly honorarium of Tk 20,000, and Bir Protik receives a monthly honorarium of Tk 20,000.
Besides, they receive two festival allowances of Tk 10,000 every year and a Bangla New Year allowance of Tk 2,000.
Meanwhile war-wounded freedom fighters are receiving a monthly honorarium of Tk 30,000 under “A” category, Tk 28,000 under “B” category, Tk 23,000 under “C” category, and Tk 20,000 under “D” category.
In response to separate questions, the minister explained that if allegations arise against a gazetted freedom fighter, claiming they are not genuine, the matter is investigated by a sub-committee of the Jatiya Muktijhodda Council (JAMUKA). If proven false, recommendations are made to remove the individual from the list. Since August 2024, JAMUKA has received 842 such complaints. After verification and investigation, the gazette/recognition of 481 individuals has been cancelled.
Since its establishment, JAMUKA has held 103 meetings and recommended the cancellation of gazettes for 6,465 individuals.