Prime Minister Tarique Rahman spoke during the Jatiya Sangsad session. Photo: PMO

SANGSAD BHABAN, July 15, 2026 (BSS) - Prime Minister Tarique Rahman today said the persons responsible for preparing an accurate list of genuine martyrs and freedom fighters (FFs) of the country's 1971 Liberation War had politicized the process after the independence. 

"After the Liberation War, when the country became independent, it was necessary to prepare a list of those who were martyred in the war and the freedom fighters. But those who were responsible for this task failed to do it properly and instead presented it in a political manner. The list was not prepared impartially and accurately," he said. 

Noting that the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs has already formed a committee comprising experts to prepare the list, the Prime Minister said, "While preparing the list, we will make every effort to accurately identify the genuine freedom fighters and the true martyrs."

Tarique Rahman made the remarks while replying to a supplementary question from treasury bench lawmaker from Pirojpur-3 constituency Md Ruhul Amin Dulal in the House this afternoon with Deputy Speaker Barrister Kayser Kamal in the chair.

Besides, responding to the starred question from Dulal on whether the government has any plan to prepare an accurate list of the families of Liberation War martyrs and victims of genocide in 1971, the Prime Minister reiterated his party's election pledge to prepare a comprehensive list of the Liberation War martyrs.

He said, "To implement this commitment, the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs has already undertaken various initiatives. These include organising expert meetings involving Liberation War researchers, formulating a practical plan through a series of discussions with various stakeholders, and taking programmes based on that plan."

Through this initiative, the Leader of the House said, it will be possible to prepare an accurate and widely accepted list of all martyrs and victims of genocide and to ensure proper recognition and honour for their sacrifices.

Replying to another supplementary question from opposition bench lawmaker from Kurigram-1 Md Anwarul Islam regarding the preparation of a depoliticised list of genuine freedom fighters, the Prime Minister said, "In response to your question, I would like to remind you that the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) was founded by Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman."

"Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman was a freedom fighter who fought on the battlefield, and not only that, he also declared the country's independence," he continued.

Since BNP is currently entrusted with governing the country, which is founded by Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, the Prime Minister said, naturally, the party sincerely believes that it has a sacred responsibility toward the Liberation War and the freedom fighters. 

"That is why I said that those who were responsible for preparing an accurate list of martyrs and freedom fighters after the country's independence presented it politically, they did not do it impartially and correctly," he added. 

Stating that later various problems have arisen in different times in preparing the list, Tarique Rahman said his government is trying to prepare a complete and accurate list of freedom fighters with the assistance of experts.