Govt expands freedom fighter status to include medics

The government has revised the official definition of "Bir Muktijoddha" (freedom fighter), expanding it to include individuals who contributed significantly to the Liberation War in non-combat roles, such as physicians and nurses.

The change was introduced through a new ordinance issued on 3 June, amending the National Freedom Fighters' Council Act.

Under the updated definition, medical personnel—doctors, nurses, and their assistants—who treated injured fighters in field hospitals during the 1971 Liberation War are now formally recognised as freedom fighters.

Women who were subjected to violence and torture by Pakistani occupation forces and their collaborators will continue to be honoured as "Biranganas" and are also included in the revised freedom fighter category.

The ordinance states that any eligible civilian, meeting the minimum age requirement set by the government, who between 26 March and 16 December 1971 took part in preparatory activities, received training either domestically or in Indian camps, or fought to liberate the country from Pakistani military and their allies—including Razakars, Al-Badr, Al-Shams, and members of certain political groups—is to be considered a freedom fighter.

The revised definition also includes members of the armed forces, East Pakistan Rifles (EPR), police, Mukti Bahini, naval commandos, Ansar, and individuals affiliated with the Mujibnagar Government or recognised resistance forces.

A new category—“Associates of the Liberation War”—has been introduced. It includes those who supported the war effort from within the country or abroad by organising, creating global awareness, rallying diplomatic support, or inspiring freedom fighters.

Recognised individuals in this category include expatriate professionals who mobilised international opinion, doctors and diplomats serving under the Mujibnagar Government, elected MNAs and MPAs who joined the Constituent Assembly, artists and staff of Swadhin Bangla Betar Kendra, journalists advocating for independence, and members of the Swadhin Bangla Football Team.

Officials confirmed that while individuals in the "associate" category will be listed separately from freedom fighters, their government-provided benefits and entitlements will remain the same.