National Press Club President and poet Hasan Hafiz on Saturday alleged that the Awami League (AL) had politicised the spirit of Bangladesh’s Liberation War, undermining the contributions of genuine freedom fighters.
Speaking as the chief guest at a shadow parliament debate competition organised by Debate for Democracy at the FDC to mark Independence Day, Hasan Hafiz said the ruling party did not achieve independence alone and pointed to irregularities in the distribution of freedom fighter certificates following 1971.
“The narrative of the Liberation War has been distorted for political gain, leaving real freedom fighters sidelined,” he said.
Hasan Hafiz called on authorities to identify fake freedom fighters, take legal action, and revoke undue benefits obtained through fraudulent certificates.
He stressed the importance of properly honouring genuine freedom fighters and preserving an accurate account of the nation’s struggle for independence.
He also urged vigilance to prevent the resurgence of authoritarian rule.
Presiding over the event, Debate for Democracy Chairman Hasan Ahmed Chowdhury Kiron said the struggle for true liberation remains incomplete, noting that equality, justice and social fairness have yet to be fully realised.
He highlighted discrepancies in the official list of freedom fighters and called for its thorough revision.
In the debate competition, Sir Salimullah Medical College defeated Sonargaon University to claim the championship. Judges included academics and journalists, and winners were awarded trophies and certificates.
.jpg "Former minister, Awami League leader Tofail Ahmed dies")
