12 fake freedom fighters ‘ashamed’, apply to surrender their certificates

Some 12 individuals who fraudulently obtained freedom fighter certificates by providing false information to the government have applied to return them to the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs.
These individuals, who had falsely claimed to have participated in the Liberation War, had used the certificates to access various state benefits, including government jobs and financial privileges, according to sources at the ministry.

Among them is a retired government official who secured employment through the fraudulent certificate and later retired with state benefits.
In their applications, some acknowledged their wrongdoing, with one explicitly stating that obtaining the certificate was a mistake. Others expressed remorse, apologised, and admitted feeling ashamed, with one writing, “I am ashamed.”
The Ministry of Liberation War Affairs has declined to disclose the names and identities of those who have applied to return their certificates.
Officials stated that since these individuals responded voluntarily to the ministry’s appeal, revealing their names could subject them to social disgrace. Therefore, their identities will be kept confidential. On 11 December 2024, Liberation War Affairs Adviser Faruk E Azam, urged individuals who had falsely obtained freedom fighter certificates to return them. Speaking at an event in his office, he stated that many people had fraudulently added their names to the official list of freedom fighters, received government recognition, and benefited from various privileges. He described this act as a serious crime and a betrayal of the nation.
“We will offer an indemnity for those who falsely claimed to be freedom fighters, allowing them to withdraw voluntarily. If they do so, they may receive general amnesty. However, if they fail to return their certificates, we will take legal action against them for fraud and impose punitive measures,” he warned.
Following this appeal, 12 individuals applied to surrender their certificates.
According to ministry sources, one applicant openly admitted in his petition, “Despite not being a freedom fighter, I was tempted to obtain a certificate and wrongfully access government benefits. I deeply regret this unethical act and am voluntarily returning the certificate.”
Previous cases of fraudulent certificates
This is not the first time that individuals have been exposed for obtaining fake freedom fighter certificates.
Under the previous Awami League government, five senior government officials had their certificates revoked after it was discovered they had secured them through false information.
These officials were former secretaries KH Masud Siddiqui, Molla Wahiduzzaman, Niaz Uddin Mia, AKM Amir Hossain, and former joint secretary Abul Kashem Talukder.
They were accused of using their fraudulent certificates to extend their service tenure unlawfully.