Amid swirling rumours about the cancellation of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s recognition as a freedom fighter, Liberation War Affairs Adviser Faruk-e-Azam on Wednesday firmly dismissed the claim.

He clarified that Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and four other national leaders were not mentioned as ‘associates of the liberation war’ in the recently issued ‘National Freedom Fighters Council (Amendment) Ordinance-2025,’ but this does not affect their historical roles or recognitions.

Speaking to reporters at the Secretariat, he made the remarks while addressing questions about the government's decision.

On Tuesday night, the government issued the ‘National Freedom Fighters Council (Amendment) Ordinance-2025’, which includes a change in the definition of a freedom fighter.

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Referring to the ordinance, some media reported that the recognition of the Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was cancelled and the national four leaders Syed Nazrul Islam, Tajuddin Ahmed, Captain (retd) Mansur Ali, and AHM Quamruzzaman were mentioned as associate of the Liberation War, he said.

Rather, the role of Mujibnagar Government in the liberation war recognised in the ordinance, Faruk-e-Azam said.

“The definition of freedom fighters is clearly stated in the ordinance. It is based on history. Those who fought armed in the battlefield and those who conducted this war will be considered as freedom fighters. Those who supported and worked for the success of the liberation war from within the country and abroad, who were not armed, will be regarded as associates of the liberation war,”   he said.

“The recognition of freedom fighters including Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and other leaders being revoked is not justified. It is not correct in the sense that it is clearly stated here (in the ordinance defining freedom fighters) that the expatriate Bangladesh government, which is the Mujibnagar government, and other forces recognized by this government will all be considered as freedom fighters. This means that those who fought an armed struggle under the Mujibnagar government and those forces recognised by it will all be freedom fighters,” he added.

Recalling the immense role of the Mujibnagar Government during the Liberation War, he said media reports are misleading.

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The adviser said, “Before issuing the ordinance, it has been verified, vetted, and a lot has been done. If you want to twist it, you can. It's a completely different thing. We are trying diligently to ensure that the history of the Liberation War cannot be disputed by anyone.”