In Shahrasti, a freedom fighter father was denied recognition because his son was involved in BNP student politics

Mo: Nurul Islam is a heroic freedom fighter from Shahrashti Upazila, born in Baniyachong village, Shahrashti, Chandpur district. His father was the late Idris Mia, and his mother was the late Arber Nessa. His son, ABM Palash, expressed the pain of being deprived of his father's rightful recognition due to his father’s long struggle and Palash's own political affiliations. From 1966 to 1969, Nurul Islam served as a trainer in the Ansar force. Later, in June 1971, he joined the war from the Hatimara camp and fought until the victory on December 16. He served under Afzal Khan of Comilla, where he was recognized as a freedom fighter with the certification of Shahrashti’s freedom fighter commander Ruhul Amin and Union Commander Md. Abu Taher.

Although Nurul Islam’s name was included in the list of freedom fighters in 2004, this recognition was revoked when the next government came to power. In 2017, despite submitting all the required documents again, he was denied the rightful recognition of a true freedom fighter due to unknown political influences. ABM Palash painfully shared that his father’s deprivation stemmed from Palash’s involvement with the politics of the student wing of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). Palash witnessed the deep pain and deprivation on his father’s face, with his father often asking, "Why do you involve yourself with BNP politics? Because of you, I have been deprived of everything." Palash feels guilty for this situation and believes that if he had been associated with the Awami League, his father’s rightful honor and recognition would have been easily secured.

ABM Palash also accused the system of granting benefits to thousands of fake freedom fighters while genuine freedom fighters remain deprived of their due honor. Despite having all the necessary documents, there is no answer as to why his father was not recognized as a freedom fighter. He urged the government to properly honor true freedom fighters and issue them certificates while taking strict action against those taking advantage as fake freedom fighters.