In contemporary Bangladesh, a new pattern has emerged among those accused of collaboration during the Liberation War. As noted by commentator Anis Alamgir, when confronted with allegations of being a Rajakar—a collaborator with the Pakistani forces—many individuals immediately assert:
“I am from a freedom fighter family.”
This automatic response, Alamgir observes, is often intended to deflect scrutiny and avoid difficult questions about their own or their immediate family’s historical roles.
The Core Question
Alamgir emphasises that the critical inquiry remains simple: Who in the family actually participated in the Liberation War?
Was it the father, a brother, the grandfather, or perhaps a maternal uncle?
Should extended relatives, such as the mother’s cousins, also be considered?
If the definition of a “freedom fighter family” is stretched to include every distant relative, almost no family would be excluded from the list, rendering the claim meaningless.
The Reality Behind the Claim
“Ultimately, the question is one: Can you cover fish with a leaf? Pretending to be something you are not does not enhance your status. Actions always reveal true allegiance,” Alamgir remarks.
He stresses that false or exaggerated claims cannot mask historical truth. Public statements and deeds reveal much more than labels or inherited prestige, and they determine how society evaluates each individual’s stance during the Liberation War.
Implications
This phenomenon points to a broader societal concern: the misuse of historical narratives for personal advantage. While pride in being related to a freedom fighter is natural, Alamgir warns against leveraging this heritage to escape accountability, noting that integrity and transparency remain the ultimate measures of character.
Summary Table: Misuse of ‘Freedom Fighter Family’ Claims
| Claim | Purpose | Critical Question | Alamgir’s Insight |
|---|---|---|---|
| “I am from a freedom fighter family” | Deflect accusation of collaboration | Who in the family actually fought in the war? | True allegiance is shown by actions, not labels |
| Expanding definition to distant relatives | Avoid exclusion from recognition | Should maternal or paternal extended relatives count? | Overextension renders claim meaningless |
| Effect on society | Misleading perception of status | Does family heritage guarantee personal integrity? | False claims do not elevate personal credibility |
Alamgir’s commentary urges citizens and public figures alike to let actions, not heritage, define legitimacy, highlighting the ongoing need for historical honesty in remembering Bangladesh’s Liberation War.