After 54 years, discussions underway to revise the definition of 'bir muktijoddha'

Fifty-four years after the Bangladesh Liberation War began on the night of March 25, 1971, discussions are underway to revise the definition of "bir muktijoddha" (valiant freedom fighter), sparking debate. According to media reports, only those who fought on the battlefield may be recognized as valiant freedom fighters, while others could be classified as ‘Liberation War Associates', reported ToI.

Kolkatans with ancestral ties to Bangladesh or professional experience across the border have a nuanced perspective on the ongoing deliberations. Over the years, the definition of muktijoddhas has been revised more than 10 times.

“During the Awami League’s tenure, many fake freedom fighters were enlisted. Communist and Leftist freedom fighters did not receive recognition. The National Freedom Fighters’ Council even decided to revoke Ziaur Rahman’s ‘Bir Uttam’ title in 2021,” said Arka Bhaduri, an independent journalist who has been writing on contemporary Bangladesh affairs.


“Amid numerous fake claims of being muktijoddhas, there have been instances of genuine people being ignored and not granted this recognition as many were reluctant to publicise their contributions,” said Abhijit Dasgupta, director of ‘Invincible Bravura’ on the Indian Navy’s formation of the first ‘Nau Commando’ that included eight Bengali escapees from a Pakistani submarine in 1971 during the war.

Dasgupta called the amendment “after so many decades” an attempt to “deliberately confuse the contemporary youth”.

(with TOI inputs)