Government recognizes 16 more Biranganas as freedom fighters

The Ministry of Liberation War Affairs on Saturday issued a gazette recognizing 16 more Biranganas as freedom fighters.

Biranganas are the women, who were tortured and abused by Pakistani occupation forces and their collaborators during the Liberation War of 1971.

Earlier in December last year, the government recognized 61 Biranganas as freedom fighters taking the total to 400. The initiative was launched in line with a High Court order in 2014.

Following their change in status, these 16 Biranganas will now be eligible for the monthly allowance and other benefits granted by the government to freedom fighters.

The decision to recognize the 16 Biranganas was taken at the 73rd meeting of the National Freedom Fighter Council, according to media reports.

In October last year, the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs urged members of the public and organizations to share any information they may have on the Biranganas, so the women may be formally recognized as freedom fighters.

The ministry asked all concerned to submit applications to their respective upazila nirbahi officers (UNO), along with necessary documents such as national identity cards, war-time commander’s reports, and local freedom fighters’ reports, if available.

Applications are sent to the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs after scrutiny by the Upazila Freedom Fighters Verification and Selection Committee.