Bangladesh revokes 'freedom fighter' status of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, others

In its fresh move targeting the legacy of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, Bangladesh's interim government has revoked the freedom fighter status of "Bangabandhu" and more than 400 politicians, who were victorious in the 1970 elections in the erstwhile East Pakistan.

The Muhammad Yunus-led caretaker government issued an ordinance amending the JAMUNA Act on Tuesday night, giving a new definition of who would be recognised as a participant in the country's struggle for independence from Pakistan.Also Read: ‘Implementing’ Pak ideology? Bangladesh cancels all national days tied to Liberation War and MujiburUnder the amended ordinance, members of the provisional "Mujibnagar government" will now be recognized only as "associates of the Liberation War."The ordinance also identifies four other categories of freedom fighters as mere associates.These four categories are: Bangladeshi professionals who have made special contributions to the liberation war abroad and played an active role in shaping world public opinion; officials, employees, envoys and others assistants of the Mujibnagar government; artists and technicians of the "Swadhin Bangla Radio Station" and all the journalists who served in support of the Liberation War at home and abroad; and the Swadhin Bangla Football Team.

Also Read: India, Bangladesh spar after mob razes Sheikh Mujibur Rahman houseThis comes just days after Mujibur Rahman's photos were removed from Bangladesh's bank notes. His daughter Sheikh Hasina fled the country in August last year following student-led protests against her government.Bangladesh gained independence through a 9-month bloody war in 1971 against Pakistan under the leadership of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. India helped Bangladesh achieve independence.