Unified list of Liberation War martyrs under preparation: PM

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Wednesday outlined key government priorities in Parliament, saying work is under way to prepare a comprehensive database of the 1971 Liberation War martyrs, reclaim parks and playgrounds from illegal encroachment, and further modernise Chattogram port.

Responding to a starred question from Md Ruhul Amin Dulal, MP for Pirojpur-3, the prime minister said Bangladesh still lacks a unified and accurate database of those martyred during the Liberation War.

He said the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs has launched work, in line with the government's election manifesto, to compile a complete list of the martyrs.

Historians, Liberation War researchers and other stakeholders have been engaged to develop a fact-based research framework aimed at producing a credible and internationally acceptable record.

"Thousands of people were victims of genocide during the Liberation War. It is unfortunate that even after so many years of independence, it has not been possible to prepare an accurate and complete list of them," the prime minister said, adding that the initiative would ensure proper recognition and institutional dignity for the families of the martyrs.

Replying to another question from Lutfollahel Mazed, MP for Mymensingh-8, Tarique Rahman said the government has intensified efforts to free parks and playgrounds in urban areas from illegal occupation.

He said all 38 public spaces directly owned by Dhaka North City Corporation, including 24 parks, six playgrounds, four children's parks and four Eidgah grounds, have been cleared of encroachment. Security measures, lighting and CCTV systems have been installed in 20 parks and several playgrounds, while 151 other public spaces under different agencies will be developed in phases.

The prime minister added that Dhaka South City Corporation has also evicted illegal occupiers from 256 parks and playgrounds following court directives.

Restoration work is under way at Malitola Park, Motijheel Park and Osmani Udyan, while similar eviction drives are being expanded in Gazipur, Mymensingh and Barishal.

Answering a question from Sarwar Jamal Nizam, MP for Chattogram-13, on port management, the prime minister said the government had undertaken a series of development and technology-driven initiatives over the past 17 years to eliminate irregularities, improve operational efficiency, expand capacity and ensure the smooth functioning of Chattogram Port.

He said the reforms had enabled the country's principal seaport to maintain round-the-clock operations despite global economic challenges and the impact of the pandemic.