BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Wednesday alleged that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi belittled Bangladesh’s independence, sovereignty and freedom fighters by claiming that December 16, 1971, was India’s historic victory. “India arrogantly considers itself the master, as its Prime Minister Narendra Modi said December 16 was India’s historic victory,” he said while addressing a programme calling for a boycott of Indian products in Shantinagar. The BNP leader said Modi has belittled and ignored the independence of Bangladesh, its independent territory, the liberation war and the freedom fighters of Bangladesh. He said the brave sons of Bangladesh fought and put up a resistance against the invading forces of Pakistan from rivers, canals, water bodies, and jungles. “You (India) played the role of a friend. So, how can it be India’s Victory Day instead of Bangladesh’s Victory Day? That means they want to ignore our Liberation War,” the BNP leader said. Read: India doesn’t want democracy in neighbouring countries: Rizvi He said India also wanted to belittle the sacrifices of the 30 lakh martyrs who gave their lives for the liberation of Bangladesh. “When America was fighting against the British, France helped America from 1776 until their victory in 1781. But France never claimed that this was their Victory Day. Americans celebrate their Victory Day, their Independence Day,” Rizvi said. On Bangladesh’s Victory Day on Monday, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to the soldiers who contributed to India’s historic victory in 1971. "Today, on Vijay Diwas, we honour the courage and sacrifices of the brave soldiers who contributed to India's historic victory in 1971. Their selfless dedication and unwavering resolve safeguarded our nation and brought glory to us," Modi wrote in a post on X. "This day is a tribute to their extraordinary valour and their unshakeable spirit. Their sacrifices will forever inspire generations and remain deeply embedded in our nation's history," he added. Read more: India 'tainted with blood of Muslims and others’, alleges Rizvi Rizvi also criticised India for backing Sheikh Hasina’s government to illegally stay in power. “No country in the world, except Delhi, has supported Sheikh Hasina for the past 16 years,” he said.

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus and President of Timor-Leste Jose Ramos-Horta placed wreaths at the Jatiya Smritisoudho to honour the country's Freedom Fighters to mark the Victory Day celebrations on Monday. Chief Adviser Dr Yunus will address the nation at 10am today, marking Victory Day, said his Deputy  Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder. The address will be aired live on Bangladesh Television and BTV World. Read: Chief Adviser renews oath of independence on Victory Day Dr Yunus said Victory Day is not only a source of pride but also an “oath day.” "The oath is to remain united, protect the sovereignty of the country, and uphold the spirit of the Liberation War," he said in a message on the occasion of Victory Day. Dr Yunus remembered the brave martyrs of the freedom struggle with respect and honoured their sacrifices. "We promise to work together to build a developed, prosperous, and well-governed Bangladesh by the interim government formed through the mass uprising of the students, workers, and people," he said. Read: Bangladesh to celebrate Victory Day Monday recalling hard-earned freedom Dr Yunus said they are determined to further develop and strengthen the country and enjoy the full benefits of freedom. “Today is 16th December, Victory Day. This day is a glorious and memorable day in Bangladesh’s history," he said. On December 16, 1971, Dr Yunus said, Bangladesh gained the taste of freedom and identity as a nation through the victory in the War of Independence. "We got our desired freedom in exchange for the blood and sacrifice of millions of martyrs," he said, adding, "I wish Victory Day 2024 a great success.”

Liberation War Affairs Adviser Farooq-e-Azam on Wednesday said fake freedom fighters will get amnesty if they apologise, or else, action will be taken against them for fraudulence. “There are allegations that fake freedom fighters have been included in the gazetted list and have long been enjoying benefits. This is not a small crime in any way … it’s a serious crime,” he told a press conference at his ministry’s conference room. Mentioning an ongoing court case regarding the cancellation of certificates of 2,111 people who claimed to be freedom fighters, the adviser said, "Once the court decides, we will cancel these certificates and arrange for punishment."  “If we can specify the verification process in other cases and such fake fighters listed there, similar action will be taken against them. They must be given exemplary punishment. Hopefully, we will be able to come up with an effective system in this regard very soon, the adviser said. ACC to start probe against ‘big fish’ soon: New Commissioner Farooq-e-Azam mentioned that there are many lists of freedom fighters -- blue, red, Indian, and in many cases, it is seen that many people have been made freedom fighters here out of ‘passion’ or because of someone's kinship or some other temptation. “We’ll detect, but it may take some time.” The adviser stressed the importance of protecting the dignity of genuine freedom fighters. “We will not allow their dignity to be tarnished. Completing this task while safeguarding their legacy is a challenge, but we are determined to do.” He said the government may allow an indemnity so that those who are not freedom fighters may step aside on their own. “If they do, they may even get a general amnesty. And if that doesn't happen, we will accuse them of fraud, as we said."  

Liberation War Affairs Adviser Farooq-e-Azam, Adviser has said legal action will be taken against those fraudulently claiming allowances and benefits as freedom fighters. In an interview with UNB, Farooq said the current list of freedom fighters is under review, and non-freedom fighters will be removed. "There are many cases, and we need to contest them in court to move forward," he said, adding this is part of a broader strategy to reassess and redefine who qualifies as a freedom fighter.  "Jatiya Muktijoddha Council (Jamuka) has been formed, and meetings have taken place, suggesting that the definition of a freedom fighter may change. Genuine freedom fighters should be acknowledged, and those who fought in the field, as well as indirect contributors, should be honoured," the adviser said. He said that he could not yet specify how many people had been gazetted as freedom fighters and added that the verification of who the true freedom fighters were should happen. Govt to consult with political parties after receiving all commission reports: Liberation War Affairs adviser Farooq added that this list should have been finalised in 1972, right after the war, when information was more accessible. "It should have been finalised in 1972, when everyone had the information, making it easier to compile," he said. This delay has led to the current challenges and the need for thorough verification. "Freedom fighters are considered honourable, and we cannot accept anything imposed. If there was objectivity, every martyr would have a story. We do not hear many stories of such martyrs," the Liberation War Affairs Adviser said. "When I first joined, I asked where the list was supposed to be. They said there was no list," he said. "If we find specific evidence, we will take action, as deceiving the state is punishable. This might make many realise their wrongdoing," he added. "We will proceed with the review and act on cases with court outcomes,” the adviser also said. Notices will be sent to those who falsely claimed freedom fighter status. "If they cannot provide proper evidence, they will be removed from the list, and those who have received benefits for so long will be punished," he added. “There is no plan to reduce the benefits and allowances of freedom fighters," he assured. The ministry said that 207,664 individuals currently receive allowances as freedom fighters, including war heroes, and families of martyred heroes.

A 43-year-old man named Jahangir Alam has been arrested over a Facebook post “mocking” the quota system for freedom fighters in the government jobs of Bangladesh. Jahangir, son of Md Mokhlesur Rahman from CP Road in the Dharanda area of Hakimpur upazila, was taken into custody following a case filed by Freedom Fighter Liakat Ali, the former commander of Upazila Muktijoddha Sangsad. The case was registered under the Cyber Security Act on Wednesday noon. Restoration of Freedom Fighters quota: July 4 set for full bench hearing before Supreme Court  Md Dulal Hossain, officer in charge (OC) of Hakimpur police station, confirmed the arrest and stated that Jahangir was apprehended from his home in the afternoon. The arrestee will be sent to jail through Dinajpur court today, added the OC. “Merit loses when quota wins”: BAU students protest HC order on govt jobs The Facebook post, made by Jahangir on June 17, suggested that "30 percent of the meat of sacrificial animals should be allotted to the grandchildren of freedom fighters." This post quickly went viral, sparking outrage among the family members of freedom fighters.

Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Shaikh Abdul Hannan accorded a reception to the gallantry award holders and heroic freedom fighters of the Bangladesh Air Force, heroic Pilots of `Kilo Flight’ and their successors on  Thursday at BAF Shaheen Hall of Tejgaon in the city.  In response to the call of the Father of the Nation, valiant freedom fighters of the Bangladesh Air Force joined the great Liberation War. Besides, the members of kilo Flight made a rare example in air combat.  17, 359 MT rice, 7, 614 MT Aman paddy to be collected from Naogaon this season The contribution of the heroic freedom fighters and the members of Kilo Flight are remembered with utmost respect by the nation.  In recognition to their sacrifice, the reception was organised on the occasion of the Armed Forces Day 2023 where a total of 26 heroic Freedom Fighters and their successors were present. The Pilots of `Kilo Flight’ and their successors were also present in the ceremony, said a ISPR media release. Dengue: 7 more die; 1,094 hospitalised in 24hrs The Chief of Air Staff exchanged greetings with the heroic Freedom Fighters and their successors during the event.  In his speech, the Air Chief  respectfully recalled the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and all heroic freedom fighters including the martyrs of Libaration War.  "Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has continued her efforts to build the Air Force as desired by the Father of the Nation. Bangladesh Air Force, which was born with only three aircraft on the battlefield of the Liberation War, is today equipped with sophisticated fighter aircraft, transport aircraft, helicopters, various types of radars, missiles and even overhauling technology," he said. Brac Bank’s TARA launches savings campaign with special offer for women A number of projects have been undertaken to increase operational and administrative capacity and several projects have been successfully implemented The sacrifice and contribution of heroic freedom fighters and the members of Kilo Flight have become the source of inspiration for all the present members of the Bangladesh Air Force.  Principal Staff Officers and Senior Officers of the Bangladesh Air Force were present on the occasion.

The country’s rivers had played a vital role in defending and guiding the trajectory of Bangladesh's 1971 War of Liberation to victory as a larger number of operations run by the freedom fighters were on the rivers. In 1971, rivers played one of the critical strategic roles, resisting the free and frequent movement of the enemies – Pakistani occupation forces. Most importantly, rivers acted as front-line soldiers by encountering enemies in the first place in the War of Liberation. During the War of Liberation, Bangladesh was strategically divided into 11 sectors to defeat the Pakistani army. As Bangladesh is a riverine country, rivers formed most sector boundaries. Some 87 percent (precisely 86.89pc) of the total boundary of the 11 sectors was demarcated by the rivers, according to a study conducted over the role of rivers in the War of Liberation by a non-government organisation --River and Delta Research Centre (RDRC). Read more: Bangladesh's Liberation War deeply moving for us: Kennedy Jr Mainly, rivers such as Padma, Brahmaputra, Meghna, Jamuna, Surma, Madhumati, and Muhuri played a key role in the formation of the sectors. The highest 100 percent boundary of Sector-1 was demarcated by rivers, while lowest 76.32 percent of Sector-7 was drawn by rivers. Based on the study findings, the RDRC prepared several maps that help understand the geographical aspects, especially rivers and water bodies of Bangladesh in 1971 and how they influenced Bangladesh’s birth. The Sector-10, which covered the entire waterways of Bangladesh including coastal areas, rivers and seaports was formed on May 13, 1971, before the other sectors formed on 12-15 June, 1971. Read more: Brave Women Freedom Fighters of Bangladesh’s 1971 Liberation War According to government official data, naval commandos of sector-10 had undertaken 78 operations along with Jackpot and Hot Pants. In addition, the RDRC in its study found more than 300 guerrilla operations carried out on rivers. In these operations, rivers served as a natural defence, and tactical advantage support mechanism that holds an unassailable position on the enemy side of the river. In this manner, rivers led to the success in the Liberation War. Big and small rivers, monsoon and rains, have isolated, slowed the enemy forces from their occupation, led to national strength and often to war success, cumulating to national independence. “We found 1270 rivers and streams existed during 1971 in Bangladesh. Every channel and stream played a role of direct defence, as well as served as a tactical advantage support mechanism that holds an unassailable position,” said RDRC chairman Mohammad Azaz. Read More: 1971 and the Elderly He said the eastern units of Pakistani troops were supported and supplied the logistics and ammunition through river networks from the beginning of the war in March 1971.  In the beginning, the guerilla operations were mainly on land, he added. As the operations increased, Pakistani troops used rivers and waterways as the safest network. Ships and supply chain networks were active and transported across all the major river ports in the country. This situation was functional up to mid-August, he said. “We found that the naval operations and other operations on rivers gained attention globally, and Pakistani forces started losing their confidence and started losing the war from August to December 1971.The guerrilla operations had also lowered the morale of the Pakistani army,” said Azaz. During the 1971 War of Liberation, rivers and waterbodies played a vital role in facilitating communication within and outside the country and helped demolish the Pakistani Military. The influence of Pakistani occupation forces started declining sharply due to naval operations particularly after August 16, 1971, which led to the victory and birth of Bangladesh as a new country in the world’s map. Read More: 1971 loss a ‘military failure’, Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Bilawal says after ex army chief called it ‘political failure’

To pay tribute to the freedom fighters, a group of 16 athletes walked 51km Saturday. "Hatahati – the Walks," a group of walkers, observed the programme marking the 51st Victory Day. They started at the zero point of the capital at Friday midnight and walked on through Dhaka–Mawa–Dhaka highway till 1.30pm. At the endpoint of the programme, the walkers paid respect to the freedom fighters of 1971 and took an oath to serve the nation with sincere and responsible citizenship. Read more: Bangladesh’s Victory Day celebrated in Dubai with ‘Bijoy Art Exhibition’ Hatahati – the Walks motivates people and shares information about the necessity and usefulness of walking. They also organise walkathons and long-distance walking or hiking programmes. The walkers' group organised a 71km Dhaka-Valuka walkathon last year to observe 1971, the year of Bangladesh's independence. To pay respect to Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman on his birth centenary they also arranged a 100km walking programme from Dhaka to Cumilla.

Bangladesh Association of Librarians, Information Scientists and Documentalists (BALID) recently honoured six freedom fighters from across the country in the month of victory. The freedom fighters are SM Mannan (Sector 8), Aktaruzzaman (Sector 11), Md Anisur Rahman (Sector 9), Ainuddin Ahmed (Sector 3), Md Abdul Gaffar (Sector 6) and Md Mahbub Alam (Sector 8). With the support of the Liberation War Museum, BALID organised a ceremony in the capital to honour them. Read: BGMEA honors non-resident Bangladeshis with NRB Award Liberation War Affairs Minister AKM Mozammel Haque was the chief guest at the event. BALID Chairman Muhammad Hossam Haider Chowdhury presided over it. Also, Liberation War Museum Trustee Mofidul Hoque spoke as the guest of honour. Mozammel handed over crests of appreciation and certificates to the freedom fighters. More than 100 guests, including government and non-government officials, library and information professionals, executive committee members and patrons of BALID, and mass media representatives joined the event.  

Remembering the late Indian singer, cultural icon and politician from Assam Dr Bhupen Hazarika on his 11th death anniversary, State Minister for Cultural Affairs KM Khalid said Hazarika's songs played an influential role during the 1971 Liberation War of Bangladesh. "During our Liberation War, songs of Dr Bhupen Hazarika inspired our freedom fighters. He was not only a prolific cultural icon but also a politician and even served as MLA of Assam. He passionately created meaningful melodies that transcended the barriers," Khalid said. To mark his death anniversary, a Bangladesh-India ceremony was held in the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA)'s National Theatre Hall auditorium Saturday, which Khalid joined as the chief guest. Cultural Secretary of the Awami League and member of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Ministry of Cultural Affairs Asim Kumar Ukil, Cultural Affairs Secretary Md Abul Monsur and Chief Coordinator of Friends of Bangladesh ASM Shamsul Arefin were also present. Bhupen Hazarika's sister-in-law and singer Manisha Hazarika and Byatikram MASDO President Soumen Bharatiya joined the event as the speakers. "I often wondered why Bhupen Da wandered around here and there – from Assam to Kolkata, Mumbai, Bangladesh and so on. Later I realised, he brought Assam to the world through his remarkable and majestic literary creations,” Manisha said. Bhupen Hazarika used to travel to Bangladesh regularly and study the folk culture of the nation, crafting an everlasting cultural bond with the country. BSA DG Liaquat Ali Lucky was a close acquaintance of Hazarika and often performed his songs as a singer. Lucky said: "While serving as the Dhaka University Central Student's Union's cultural affairs secretary, I travelled the nation singing Dr Bhupen Hazarika's songs. Also, Bhupen da complimented me and gave me the title "Bhupen of Bangladesh" after listening to my rendition of his songs."