In a definitive statement regarding the historical narrative of Bangladesh, the Minister for Liberation War Affairs, Hafiz Uddin Ahmed, Bir Bikram, has asserted that the 1971 Liberation War must remain the singular, foundational pillar of the state’s identity. Speaking at a consultative meeting with the members of the National Freedom Fighter Council (JAMUKA) on Sunday, 22 February 2026, the Minister cautioned against the conflation of the Liberation War with other political movements or historical struggles.
Preserving Historical Sanctity
Presiding over the assembly at the Ministry’s conference room, the Minister expressed grave concern over what he termed the “political exploitation” of the spirit of the war over the past several decades. He argued that the persistent manipulation of historical facts for partisan gain has left the younger generation disconnected from the authentic origins of their country.
“The Great Liberation War is the very bedrock upon which this nation was built,” Minister Ahmed stated. “It is a mistake to equate other movements or struggles—however significant they may be in their own right—with the unique struggle for independence in 1971. The level of sacrifice and the scale of the struggle undertaken by our freedom fighters remain unparalleled.”
Addressing the Generational Gap
The Minister highlighted a growing concern that the youth of Bangladesh are increasingly unaware of the sheer magnitude of the hardships endured during the nine-month conflict. He noted that the distortion of history has served as a barrier, preventing the “new generation” from fully grasping the cost of sovereignty. To rectify this, the Ministry and JAMUKA have resolved to implement more rigorous documentation and educational outreach.
Strategic Objectives and Verification
During the meeting, several key administrative decisions were reached to ensure the integrity of the historical record. The Ministry aims to refine the list of genuine freedom fighters to eliminate discrepancies caused by past administrative lapses.
| Objective | Action Plan |
| Verification of Veterans | Comprehensive screening to identify and certify authentic freedom fighters. |
| History Conservation | Digitisation of wartime archives and oral histories to prevent future distortion. |
| Educational Reform | Collaboration with educational bodies to integrate accurate history into the curriculum. |
| JAMUKA Oversight | Enhanced monitoring of welfare grants and recognition protocols for veterans. |
The session was attended by Israt Chowdhury, Secretary of the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs, alongside senior ministry officials and council members. The consensus of the meeting was clear: while Bangladesh has seen many influential movements, the 1971 war remains the definitive event that birthed the Republic, and its legacy must be protected from political revisionism.