Bangladesh Government Affirms No Plans to Rename Mujibnagar Government

Published : Thursday, 17 April, 2025 at 12:14 PM Count : 174

On the occasion of Mujibnagar Day, Faruk-e-Azam, Adviser to the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs, reaffirmed that the current government has no intention of changing the name of the historic Mujibnagar Government. Speaking at the Mujibnagar Memorial in Meherpur, he emphasized the significance of preserving the nation's history.

"The Mujibnagar Government is internationally recognized and holds constitutional status," Faruk-e-Azam stated. "It organized our Liberation War and established diplomatic ties globally. The elected leadership of that time formed this government. April 17 is a glorious chapter in our nation's history."

Dhaka Tribune

He further added, "There is no plan to change the name of the Mujibnagar Government. History cannot be erased. It must be preserved as it is. Future elected governments may decide otherwise, but we do not wish to turn our achievements into controversies. History should remain unaltered."

Faruk-e-Azam also addressed concerns about individuals falsely claiming to be freedom fighters. "Real freedom fighters are often embarrassed because many falsely claim the title. This is a shameful matter," he said. "We have already taken several steps to address it, and some cases are awaiting court verdicts. Over 2,700 cases are pending, and we expect their resolution soon."

The government is working to prepare an accurate list of genuine freedom fighters. An ordinance to amend the 'National Freedom Fighters Council Act, 2022' is underway, aiming to distinguish between those who fought directly on the battlefield and those who contributed in other capacities during the Liberation War. Under the proposed changes, only direct combatants will be recognized as 'freedom fighters,' while others will be categorized as 'Liberation War Associates'.

The day's events began at 5:43 AM with the hoisting of the national flag, accompanied by a guard of honour and the national anthem. Two Ansar members who had presented the guard of honour to national leaders on April 17, 1971, were honoured. Faruk-e-Azam laid wreaths at the Mujibnagar Memorial and later visited various parts of the Mujibnagar Memorial Complex and the Amrakanan mango grove.

Notable attendees included Israt Jahan, Secretary of the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs; Sifat Mehnaz, Deputy Commissioner of Meherpur; and Maksuda Akhter Khanam, Superintendent of Police, Meherpur. Government officials, freedom fighters, and citizens from various walks of life participated in the commemorative events.

The Mujibnagar Government, formed on April 10, 1971, and formally inaugurated on April 17, 1971, in Baidyanathtala (now Mujibnagar), Meherpur, was the first official government of Bangladesh during the Liberation War. It played a crucial role in leading the war efforts and establishing Bangladesh's presence on the international stage.

FP/Raj