Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Wednesday said the government has undertaken various initiatives to prepare an accurate and comprehensive list of those martyred during the 1971 Liberation War, noting that successive governments immediately after independence had failed to compile a neutral and complete register because the process had been politicised.

"Unfortunately, those who were responsible after the country's independence for preparing a neutral and comprehensive list of those martyred in the Liberation War did not do so. Instead, politics was brought into the process of preparing the list," he told Parliament.

The Prime Minister made the remarks while responding to a starred question from BNP MP Md Ruhul Amin Dulal (Pirojpur-3) during the question-and-answer session in the House.

Deputy Speaker Kayser Kamal presided over the sitting.

Tarique said that, recognising the importance of the issue, the present government had pledged in its election manifesto to prepare a comprehensive list of Liberation War martyrs based on extensive research.

To fulfil that commitment, he said, the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs has already undertaken a number of initiatives, including holding meetings with Liberation War researchers, engaging in continuous consultations with relevant stakeholders, and formulating a detailed and practical action plan.

"The government believes that through these initiatives, it will be possible to prepare an accurate and widely accepted list of all those martyred during the Liberation War and the genocide, and ensure proper recognition and honour for their sacrifices," the Prime Minister said.

Replying to a supplementary question from Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami MP Md Anwarul Islam (Kurigram-1), he said the BNP sincerely believes it has a sacred responsibility towards the Liberation War and freedom fighters.

Tarique reiterated that those entrusted with preparing an accurate and impartial list of freedom fighters after independence had failed to do so, while subsequent efforts over the years had also been hampered by various shortcomings.

He said the government is now working with experts to prepare a complete and accurate list of freedom fighters based on credible research and verification.