Dhaka: Liberation War Affairs Minister AKM Mozzammel Huq on Sunday handed over cheques to the heirs of freedom fighters of Dhaka region under an Indian government’s scheme.

India launched the ‘Muktijodha Scholarship Scheme’ in 2006 for the descendents of freedom fighters. This year, scholarships have been awarded to 800 under graduate students.  

Indian High Commission in Dhaka and Bangladesh-India Friendship Society jointly arranged a function on the occasion at the Kabi Sufia Kamal auditorium hall of the Bangladesh National Museum.

Similar events will also be held in other divisions - Barisal, Khulna, Sylhet, Rangpur, Chittagong and Rajshahi - over the next few weeks.  

Prime Minister’s International Affairs Adviser Dr Gowher Rizvi, Indian High Commissioner in Dhaka Harsh Vardhan Shringla and a large numbers of freedom fighters were present.

Speaking at the function, the Indian High Commissioner said, ‘We recognise and honour the contributions and sacrifice of the freedom fighters. This scholarship scheme is a small symbolic gesture of our government to show our continued solidarity with them.’

The scholarships are awarded to higher secondary and under graduate students. Undergraduate students get Tk 24,000 a year for four years, while higher secondary students Tk 10,000 per year for two years.  

Till date, over 9500 students have benefited and more than Tk 13 crores disbursed among these students, said a Indian High Commission press release.