United News of Bangladesh

Despite international recognition for its capabilities in tackling cyclones and floods, Bangladesh's preparedness and capacity to deal with earthquakes remain relatively weak, said Disaster Management and Relief Affairs Adviser Farooq-e-Azam on Wednesday. "Earthquakes are disasters that strike without warning. There is no alternative to raising public awareness to face such calamities," he said while addressing a workshop titled "Strengthening Multi-Hazard Preparedness: Focus on Earthquake and Urban Resilience", jointly organised by the Department of Disaster Management and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Dhaka. The adviser underscored the importance of a coordinated action plan to respond to any disaster, including earthquakes, for effective rescue, relief and rehabilitation operations. “We need to put greater emphasis on regular drills and public awareness,” he added.  Forex reserves targeted to hit $30bn by June: BB Governor Referring to the country's dense population, urban pressure, and geographical realities, the adviser urged all disaster-related agencies to adopt realistic action plans aimed at minimising casualties and losses during any major disaster. He also stressed that strict adherence to building codes in construction could significantly reduce the risks associated with earthquakes.  Indian Ocean now a strategic epicentre beyond trade: Foreign Affairs Director General of the Department of Disaster Management Reaz Ahmed presided over the workshop. Secretary of the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief Md Mustafizur Rahman and UNDP Resident Representative in Bangladesh Sonali Dayaratne also spoke at the event.

Liberation War Affairs Adviser Farooq-e-Azam on Wednesday said fake freedom fighters will get amnesty if they apologise, or else, action will be taken against them for fraudulence. “There are allegations that fake freedom fighters have been included in the gazetted list and have long been enjoying benefits. This is not a small crime in any way … it’s a serious crime,” he told a press conference at his ministry’s conference room. Mentioning an ongoing court case regarding the cancellation of certificates of 2,111 people who claimed to be freedom fighters, the adviser said, "Once the court decides, we will cancel these certificates and arrange for punishment."  “If we can specify the verification process in other cases and such fake fighters listed there, similar action will be taken against them. They must be given exemplary punishment. Hopefully, we will be able to come up with an effective system in this regard very soon, the adviser said. ACC to start probe against ‘big fish’ soon: New Commissioner Farooq-e-Azam mentioned that there are many lists of freedom fighters -- blue, red, Indian, and in many cases, it is seen that many people have been made freedom fighters here out of ‘passion’ or because of someone's kinship or some other temptation. “We’ll detect, but it may take some time.” The adviser stressed the importance of protecting the dignity of genuine freedom fighters. “We will not allow their dignity to be tarnished. Completing this task while safeguarding their legacy is a challenge, but we are determined to do.” He said the government may allow an indemnity so that those who are not freedom fighters may step aside on their own. “If they do, they may even get a general amnesty. And if that doesn't happen, we will accuse them of fraud, as we said."  

Liberation War Affairs Adviser Farooq-e-Azam, Adviser has said legal action will be taken against those fraudulently claiming allowances and benefits as freedom fighters. In an interview with UNB, Farooq said the current list of freedom fighters is under review, and non-freedom fighters will be removed. "There are many cases, and we need to contest them in court to move forward," he said, adding this is part of a broader strategy to reassess and redefine who qualifies as a freedom fighter.  "Jatiya Muktijoddha Council (Jamuka) has been formed, and meetings have taken place, suggesting that the definition of a freedom fighter may change. Genuine freedom fighters should be acknowledged, and those who fought in the field, as well as indirect contributors, should be honoured," the adviser said. He said that he could not yet specify how many people had been gazetted as freedom fighters and added that the verification of who the true freedom fighters were should happen. Govt to consult with political parties after receiving all commission reports: Liberation War Affairs adviser Farooq added that this list should have been finalised in 1972, right after the war, when information was more accessible. "It should have been finalised in 1972, when everyone had the information, making it easier to compile," he said. This delay has led to the current challenges and the need for thorough verification. "Freedom fighters are considered honourable, and we cannot accept anything imposed. If there was objectivity, every martyr would have a story. We do not hear many stories of such martyrs," the Liberation War Affairs Adviser said. "When I first joined, I asked where the list was supposed to be. They said there was no list," he said. "If we find specific evidence, we will take action, as deceiving the state is punishable. This might make many realise their wrongdoing," he added. "We will proceed with the review and act on cases with court outcomes,” the adviser also said. Notices will be sent to those who falsely claimed freedom fighter status. "If they cannot provide proper evidence, they will be removed from the list, and those who have received benefits for so long will be punished," he added. “There is no plan to reduce the benefits and allowances of freedom fighters," he assured. The ministry said that 207,664 individuals currently receive allowances as freedom fighters, including war heroes, and families of martyred heroes.