Dhaka, Dec. 16 -- The government has so far processed 123,000 new applications for inclusion in the latest list of freedom fighters from across the country, barring those from the Khulna Division.

The authorities are also scrutinising another list of 43,000 people, who are acknowledged in civilian freedom fighter gazettes but lack any other verifiable records.

The verification process will be completed by the offices of deputy commissioners and Upazila Nirbahi Officers on Jan 9, according to the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs.

Liberation War Affairs Minister AKM Mozammel Haque is also hopeful that the government's efforts will yield an actual figure of freedom fighters

The government issued a gazette on Jun 2 giving recognition to...