16 more Biranganas recognised as freedom fighters

Sixteen more Biranganas (war heroines) have been recognised as freedom fighters for their sacrifices during the country's Liberation War in 1971.

The Ministry of Liberation War Affairs issued a gazette in this regard on September 1.

The newly recognised freedom fighters are-- late Tittho Bala of Thakurgaon, late Sabitri Chackraborty and Nistara Bibi of Satkhira, Sukuron Nesa of Chuadanga, Hafiza Bewya and Somla Bewya of Sherpur, Sapton Bewya of Gaibandha, Rashida Begum of Gopalganj, Rokeya Begum of Sylhet, Kanon Gomej of Barisal, Minara Begum of Moulavibazar, Sandhya Gosh of Habiganj, Afia Begum of Comilla, Shefali Begum and Bimola Rani Sarker of Natore and Amicha Begum of Lalmonirhat.

Along with the 16 newly recognised freedom fighters, a total of 146 women have been honoured as freedom fighters by the government in phases.

The government for the first time in October last year recognised 41 Biranganas as freedom fighters.

The process of recognising Biranganas as freedom fighters started following a High Court order on January 27, 2014.

At least 1.62 lakh women were raped, and another 1.31 lakh Hindu women went missing during the Liberation War, according to the War Crimes Facts and Findings Committee led by Dr M Hassan.

The Hindu women are believed to have been raped and killed in the Pakistani army camps.