The government has recognised 'Biranganas (war heroines)', women who were persecuted by Pakistani occupation forces and their local collaborators during the Liberation War of Bangladesh in 1971, as freedom fighters.

The recognition was given on Monday at the 25th meeting of Jatiya Muktijoddha Council at its Maghbazar office in the capital with Liberation War Affairs Minister AKM Mozammel Haque in the chair.

The meeting was held amid widespread allegations of forgery in obtaining freedom fighter certificates.

The government also redefined the freedom fighters delisting those who were below 15 years during the 1971 Liberation War.

Talking to reporters after the meeting, AKM Mozammel said, "Those who were below 15 years on March 26, 1971 would be able to apply for being gazetted as freedom fighters. No one who was below 15 at that time could apply for being gazetted as a freedom fighter."

ZA