No intention to rename Mujibnagar govt

Adviser to the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs, Lt Col (Retd) Faruk-e-Azam, Bir Protik, has said that the government has no intention of changing the name of the Mujibnagar government, as history cannot be erased.

“History must be preserved as it is. What a next elected government may choose to do is up to them,” he told journalists on Thursday (April 17).

At dawn, he hoisted the national flag at the Mujibnagar Memorial to mark Mujibnagar Day. Following the guard of honour, floral wreaths were laid at the memorial in tribute to the heroic sons of the nation.

Speaking to the media afterward, the Adviser said, “The Mujibnagar government was neither a government-in-exile nor a temporary government. Bangladesh achieved independence under its leadership. Therefore, it is the constitutional government. Nothing should be imposed on history—history is what it is. The oath-taking of this government was a glorious chapter that must be remembered forever with respect and love.”

Regarding the issue of fake freedom fighters, he said the government is determined to prepare an accurate list of genuine freedom fighters.

“Work is underway toward that goal. However, due to ongoing legal cases, the process has been delayed. The government is waiting for court verdicts. Over 2,700 cases are currently pending in court. Once they are resolved, the correct list will be finalised,” he added.

Commenting on the vandalism of Liberation War-themed sculptures at the Mujibnagar Mango Grove, he stated that the entire site is being inspected.

“Initiatives will soon be taken to restore the sculptures. The structures will be rebuilt based on historical authenticity. Nothing inaccurate will be imposed, nor will any part of true history be erased.”

To mark the day, the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs, Meherpur District Administration, and the Freedom Fighters’ Command jointly held a flag-raising ceremony and laid floral tributes at the Mujibnagar Memorial at 5:43 am.

The chief guest at the event was Adviser to the interim government on Liberation War Affairs, Lt Col (Retd) Faruk-e-Azam, Bir Protik. Special guests included Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs Israt Jahan Chowdhury, Additional Commissioner of Khulna Division Hossain Shawkat, and Meherpur Superintendent of Police Maksuda Akhter Khanam. Government officials and freedom fighters were also in attendance.

The Meherpur police presented a guard of honour to the Adviser. Additionally, two surviving Ansar members—Siraj Uddin and Azim Uddin—who had provided the guard of honour on April 17, 1971, were presented with commemorative crests.