The High Court today directed the government to include names of 208 freedom fighters in the official gazette and take necessary steps to give them monthly allowances.

The court also asked the Liberation War Affairs Ministry to comply with the directives in 90 days after receiving the full text of the judgement.

The bench of Justice Zubayer Rahman Chowdhury and Justice Ahmed Sohel delivered the verdict following eight separate writ petitions filed by 208 freedom fighters from Chandpur, Magura, Kushtia and Pabna.

They filed the writ petitions in 2016 challenging legality of the government’s decision to remove their names from the official gazette.

During the verdict announcement today, the court in its observation said, “It is a shame for the state if the freedom fighters remain needy financially”.

“Getting allowances is their rights,” the court said.

Deputy Attorney General Amit Dasgupta told The Daily Star that the selection committee concerned had recommended to include names of the 208 freedom fighters in the official gazette but the ministry has omitted to do so.

After holding hearing on the petitions, the HC bench delivered the verdict today.

Barrister Taufiq Inam appeared for the writ petitioners.