 "Bangladesh plans to redefine 'muktijoddha' again but why are people in Kolkata unhappy?")
Sheikh Hasina’s ouster from Bangladesh was followed by the destruction of her father Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s legacy after angry protestors dazed his residence in Dhaka’s Dhanmondi 32. Many, including Hasina’s main rival, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), have argued that the interim government under Muhammad Yunus is allowing the distortion of Bangladesh’s history and undermining the Liberation War of 1971.
Now, the administration is reportedly planning to modify the definition of “bir muktijoddha" to include only those people who were engaged in direct combat on the battlefield, while others will be classified as ‘Liberation War Associates’.
Who are bir muktijoddha?
A “Bir Muktijoddha” is a title given to freedom fighters in Bangladesh who played a significant role during the country’s War of Independence in 1971, known as the Bangladesh Liberation War. The term “Bir Muktijoddha” translates to “Brave Freedom Fighter.”
In total, more than 200,000 people were recognized as “Muktijoddhas” (freedom fighters), and many were awarded the “Bir Muktijoddha” title for their bravery. The role of these fighters in the liberation war is deeply ingrained in Bangladesh’s history and national identity.
Definition debate stirs West Bengal
According to a report by the Times of India, people in Kolkata whose ancestors have links to the Bangladesh war have taken the decision to rebrand “Bir Muktijoddha” with a pinch of salt.
Arka Bhaduri, an independent journalist who has written on contemporary Bangladesh affairs, told the outlet, “During the Awami League’s tenure, many fake freedom fighters were enlisted. Communist and Leftist freedom fighters did not receive recognition. The National Freedom Fighters’ Council even decided to revoke Ziaur Rahman’s ‘Bir Uttam’ title in 2021.”
“Amid numerous fake claims of being muktijoddhas, there have been instances of genuine people being ignored and not granted this recognition as many were reluctant to publicise their contributions,” said the director of ‘Invincible Bravura’ on the Indian Navy’s formation of the first ‘Nau Commando’, Abhijit Dasgupta.
Impact Shorts
More ShortsHe added that the administration’s attempt at redefining the term is an attempt “to deliberately confuse the contemporary youth”. Bhaduri says that everyone who participated in the war should be called “freedom fighters”.
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