The Jatiya Sangsad has passed the Jatiya Muktijoddha Council (Amendment) Bill, 2026, introducing new provisions to recognise broader contributions to the 1971 Liberation War.
The bill was placed by Liberation War Affairs Minister Ahmed Azam Khan and approved by voice vote.
The law retains the title “Bir Muktijoddha” for those who directly took part in combat or received military training during the war. It also includes women who were tortured during the war and medical personnel who served in field hospitals under this category.
A key addition is the introduction of a new category titled “Associates of the Liberation War,” aimed at recognising individuals who contributed through organisational, diplomatic, cultural or international advocacy roles.
This group includes expatriate professionals, officials of the government-in-exile, members of the then assemblies, artists and journalists, as well as members of the Swadhin Bangla Betar Kendra and the Swadhin Bangla Football Team.
The amendment also brings structural changes to the Jatiya Muktijoddha Council, including provisions to manage a dedicated fund supported by government allocations, donations and foreign assistance.
It allows the council to form ad-hoc committees or appoint administrators for organisations related to freedom fighters if needed.
Officials said the law is aimed at preserving the ideals of the Liberation War while ensuring proper recognition of both combat and non-combat contributions.
During the discussion, opposition leader Md Shafiqur Rahman paid tribute to those who took part in the war and called for unity, while raising concerns over certain definitions included in the bill.
The Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad later put the bill to a vote, and it was passed without objection.
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