Govt fixes minimum age for FFs
Special Correspondent
The Government has issued a circular yesterday stating that those who were minimum 13 years of age on March 26,1971 would be considered freedom fighters (FF), to prepare a reliable definition and age for freedom fighters in the light of a recommendation by Jatiya Muktijoddha Council. The circular issued by the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs said, those persons responding to the call of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman participated in the great Liberation War to achieve the Independence of Bangladesh between March 26-December 16, 1971 would be considered freedom fighters. They would include (a) Those who crossed the Bangladesh border to register their names to receive training in different camps in India (b) Those professionals who made special contributions playing an active role abroad to build up public opinion (c) Those who discharged their duties as officials and employees under the Government of Peoples Republic of Bangladesh (Mujibnagar Government) and the MNAs and MPAs (Members of the Constituent Assembly). (d) Women (Biranganas) who were tortured by the Pakistani Army and collaborators. (e) Artistes and Technicians of Swadhin Bangla Betar Kendra and Bangladeshi journalists discharging their duties in and out of the country. (f) Players of Swadhin Bangla Football Team. (g) Doctors, Nurses and their assistants of the Medical Team who gave medical treatment to the wounded FFs during the Liberation War. Mentionably, for inclusion in the new roll of FF, their minimum age should be 13 on 26031971, the circular specified.
