People aged 17-38 yrs eligible for joining Mukti Bahini

A leaflet found in Bangladesh’s northeastern region during the country’s independence struggles in 1971 announced on behalf of the then Bangladesh government that Mukti Juddho (Liberate War) is going on and people aged between 17 and 38 years eligible for joining the Mukti Bahini (freedom fighters). Leaflets had been distributed urging people to join the Mukti Bahini during the 9-month-long battle against the Pakistani occupation forces and their local collaborators. Such a leaflet was distributed by Bangladesh Mukti Parishad (North-East), which was signed by Md Hamiduzzaman Sarker, in-charge of MPA office. It was handwritten (cyclostyle) and collected by one SM Nabi. ‘It is brought to the notice of the people of the independent Bangladesh that people have been requested to join the Mukti Bahini to eliminate soon killer Yahya Bahini and the betrayers from the swadhin (independent) Bangladesh,’ according to the leaflet. But, the leaflet put forwarded the following mandatory conditions to joining the Mukti Bahini:
a. The aspirants must have loyalty to the government of sovereign and independent Bangladesh.
b. Candidates must be healthy, honest and hardworking. Age: 17 to 38 years.
c. The section C (Ga) will not be applicable for Ansar, Mujahid, EPR, EBR and former soldiers.
d. Candidates must have to show identity cards issued by a MNA or MPA or the authorities of Awami League (AL).
e. The trainees must have to obey the order of the higher authority. The authorities’ decision will be final on their behaviour during the training.
f. After completion of the training the eligible trainees will be appointed in the Independent Bangladesh Army in accordance with their compatibility.
g. Authorities will bear all expenses of the trainees during their stay at training centres. Authority will give no expense for transport and stay in case of failure.
Noted historian Professor Dr Muntassir Mamoon mentioned this in his article ‘Muktibahinite Jog Deyar Ahoban’ (Call to Join Muktibahini) in his edited book ‘Muktijuddher Chhinna Dalilpatra’. However, many freedom fighters aged under 17-year and aged above 38-year took part in the Liberation War and sacrificed their lives for the independence of their motherland, according to a news agency.