Expatriates also to be enlisted as freedom fighters: Minister

Liberation War Affairs Minister AKM Mozammel Haq has said citizens who contributed to the Liberation War in 1971, staying abroad would be enlisted as freedom fighters.

"Freedom fighter forms would be available at all Bangladesh missions abroad from March 7. The expatriates would be able to apply, staying abroad, for including their names in the list of freedom fighters," he told a function here Monday night.

People who did not participate in battles with weapons, but worked in different ways in support of the Liberation War while staying abroad would be recognized as freedom fighters, said the minister.

Even those who contributed to the war of independence by writing, singing, playing and drawings would be recognized as freedom fighters in their respective fields, he added.

The liberation war affairs minister urged the relevant expatriate Bangladeshis to apply in designated forms to get themselves enrolled as freedom fighters.

Referring to the foreigners who worked directly and indirectly in favour of the liberation and the people of Bangladesh, Haq said "We have recognized them and gave them felicitations. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina conveyed sincere gratitude to them."

"We want to express our gratitude even to more deserving foreigners who are yet to get the state honour," he added.

The minister said the list of freedom fighters is being updated as the government wants to convey the actual history of the liberation war to the next generation.

Recalling the contribution of the people of Sylhet at home and abroad during the Liberation War, Mozammel Haq said London was the most important place after India as expatriate people from Sylhet worked there in favour of the Liberation War.

They contributed a lot by drawing global supports towards the liberation of Bangladesh, he added.