The High Court has formed a four-member committee consisting of secretaries to identify and recommend state recognition for the “resistance fighters” (1975-1979) who protested the assassination of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and his family members.

The committee, comprising the secretary of the Liberation War Affairs Ministry, the home secretary, the social welfare secretary, and the finance secretary, has been asked to submit its report to the court by August 4.

A High Court bench of Justice Naima Haider and Justice Kazi Zinat Hoque passed the order on Monday after the final hearing of a writ petition filed by five individuals. The writ petition sought state recognition and rehabilitation for the “resistance fighters”.

The court observed that despite their sacrifices, the “resistance fighters” had not been given state recognition even after 47 years of Bangabandhu's assassination. The court also directed the committee to take necessary steps to provide rehabilitation to the “resistance fighters” who are still alive.

Lawyer Bakir Uddin Bhuiyan appeared for the writ petitioners, while Deputy Attorney General Amit Das Gupta represented the state.

On August 15, 1975, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the Father of the Nation, and his family members were assassinated by a group of army officers. Following the assassination, a military government was established in the country.

In the aftermath of the assassination, there were protests against the military government. These protests were led by students, youths, and some freedom fighters. Two armed resistance forces, namely the Jatiyo Mukti Bahini (National Liberation Force) and the Jatiyo Mujib Bahini (National Mujib Force), were also formed.

However, the “resistance fighters” were not given state recognition by the subsequent governments.