Staff Correspondent

United States Ambassador Brent Christensen paid a courtesy call on the Minister for Liberation War Affairs. Ahmed Azam Khan, at his office on Monday

Held in a highly cordial and constructive atmosphere, the meeting featured detailed discussions on preserving the history of the 1971 Liberation War and the historic student-people mass uprising of July-August 2024, ensuring the welfare of martyr families, and conducting medical treatment and social rehabilitation programs for injured fighters.

Representing the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs during the meeting were Secretary Md. Ashraful Islam, Additional Secretary (Planning and Dev) Ziauddin Ahmed, ndc, and Joint Secretary (Attached) Md. Jehad Uddin. The U.S. Embassy delegation included Note Taker Mr. Josh Pope, Press and Media Officer Ms. Ricky Salmina, and Protocol Assistant Saad Bin Elahi.

At the outset of the meeting, the Minister and high-level officials warmly welcomed the U.S. Ambassador. Opening the discussions, the Secretary noted that cherishing and preserving the glorious achievements, memories, history, and ideals of both the 1971 Liberation War and the July 2024 mass uprising remains one of the ministry's top priorities.

During the talks, the institutional challenges and current progress in formulating an accurate and flawless list of genuine martyrs and freedom fighters from 1971 were highlighted.

The meeting detailed the government's revolutionary steps taken for the welfare of martyrs and the injured of the July mass uprising. Under the ministry's specialized "July Mass Uprising Directorate," a detailed database of 843 valiant martyrs and 15,030 injured fighters has been compiled. Martyr families are being provided with Tk 3 million through national savings certificates and a monthly allowance of Tk 20,000.

U.S. Ambassador Brent Christensen lauded the multifaceted activities of the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs, particularly the efforts to ensure accuracy in the lists of martyrs and freedom fighters through ICT utilization and the rehabilitation process for those affected by the July revolution.

The Minister handed over historical and political biographical books—including President Zia: Rajnaitik Jiboni and Begum Khaleda Zia: The Life and Story—alongside other commemorative books and gift items to the distinguished U.S. Ambassador.