Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Sunday said the inspiration of the Liberation War must be passed on from generation to generation so that the country’s younger population understands where Bangladesh came from and how its independence was achieved.

“We are not permanent. But the inspiration of the Liberation War is essential for the new generation. They must know where this country came from and how the war was fought. The War of Independence must remain a source of inspiration for generations,” he said.

The chief adviser made the remarks while holding a meeting with leaders of the National Freedom Fighters Council, Bangladesh Freedom Fighters Welfare Trust and Bangladesh Muktijoddha Sangsad at the state guest house Jamuna in the evening.

Liberation War Affairs Adviser Faruk-e-Azam was present at the meeting.

Prof Yunus said identifying genuine freedom fighters and detecting fake ones was a key priority immediately after the interim government assumed office. “The people of Bangladesh hold freedom fighters in the highest respect. In the past, many tried to exploit this respect for personal gain. We must ensure this never happens again,” he said.

He noted that political interests had weakened the credibility of the freedom fighter institutions, turning them into tools rather than institutions. “Our effort was to restore them as proper institutions,” he added.

Expressing gratitude for meeting the freedom fighters, the chief adviser said preserving history and introducing it to the younger generation is a sacred task. “Very soon, we will no longer be able to find new freedom fighters. But we must preserve their memories. We need to plan now so that the spirit of the Liberation War remains immortal in our nation,” he said.

Liberation War Affairs Adviser Faruk E Azam said previous governments used the rhetoric of the Liberation War to create discrimination and deprived genuine freedom fighters. “Many freedom fighters were deeply hurt. Since assuming responsibility, we are trying collectively to clean up the sector and restore the lost dignity of freedom fighters,” he said.

The freedom fighters thanked Prof Yunus for successfully leading the interim government, implementing reforms and arranging a referendum. They said if the July Charter is implemented, there will be no scope for fascism to return and the government will remain accountable to the people.

They also said the July Charter would play a leading role in protecting Bangladesh’s independence and sovereignty and taking the country forward. The freedom fighters noted that a defeat of the reforms in the referendum would be unfortunate for the country and said they would personally campaign for a ‘Yes’ vote.

Thanking them, the chief adviser said the country is now at the threshold of elections. “We have received an opportunity for constitutional reform through the mass uprising. The Consensus Commission worked with all political parties, and now a referendum is being arranged to implement the reforms. Without reform and change, we will keep returning to the same place and will not be able to move forward,” he said.

Bangladesh Muktijoddha Sangsad Central Command Council Convener Naim Jahangir thanked the chief adviser for building international support to protect Bangladesh’s sovereignty and for efforts to strengthen a previously fragile economy. He said the misuse of the Liberation War narrative in politics had isolated freedom fighters from the people.

Several freedom fighters expressed frustration, saying their dignity had been eroded over the past 16 years to the extent that many hesitated to reveal their identity, often being questioned about whether they were genuine or fake.

Captain (retd) Nurul Huda said freedom of expression, which had not been achieved in 57 years, has now been restored. He said the youth who led the July mass uprising fought against discrimination just as freedom fighters had done in 1971, and attempts to pit 1971 against 2024 must be resisted.

Leaders of the three organisations briefed the chief adviser on their activities and future plans, saying their main goal is to pass on the nation’s glorious history to the younger generation. They said initiatives have begun across the country to preserve Liberation War memorials, fake freedom fighters’ gazettes have been cancelled and Welfare Trust assets are being verified for proper use.

The chief adviser urged them to remain vigilant so that no one can create disorder again. He said organisational assets must be used to preserve the memories of the Liberation War for the lasting welfare of the country. “The government will do its part, but everyone must also continue to work as responsible citizens,” he said, adding that even after leaving office he would continue to fulfil his duties as a citizen.