Separate dept for July martyrs' families if BNP forms govt: Tarique

BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman has said that if the BNP forms the next government, a separate department will be created under the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs to take care of the families of those martyred or injured in the July 2024 mass uprising.

He made the statement on Sunday while addressing a meeting with the families of the July uprising martyrs and injured persons at the Krishibid Institution auditorium in the capital.

The programme was presided over by BNP Standing Committee member Nazrul Islam Khan.

Tarique said those who sacrificed their lives in 1971 to win independence and those who fought in 2024 to protect independence and sovereignty belong to the same line of fighters.

The BNP chairman added that after listening to the pain, suffering and sacrifices of the families, he and standing committee member Nazrul Islam Khan decided to create the separate unit.

"When BNP was in power earlier, it formed the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs for the welfare of 1971 freedom fighters and their families.

"In the same way, if BNP forms the government with public support, a separate department will be opened under that ministry to look after the families of the July uprising martyrs and fighters," Tarique said.

Family members of the martyrs and injured also spoke at the meeting.

The BNP chairman said those who have been lost can never be brought back, but the state has a responsibility to care for the families left behind.

"You are also freedom fighters, you are also fighters," he told the families.

He highlighted that the people of the country sacrificed their lives to achieve independence in 1971, and in 2024, citizens again took to the streets to protect independence and sovereignty.

"Independence was achieved in 1971, and it was protected in 2024," he said.

Referring to the long anti-fascist movement and especially the July uprising, Tarique said it caused a severe humanitarian crisis.

He claimed more than 1,400 people were killed and around 3,000 injured in the July uprising alone, with many losing one or both eyes or becoming permanently disabled.

"The way people were killed can be described as genocide," he said.

Recalling his speech of August 19, 2024, he said the martyrs came from all walks of life -- university, college, madrasa and school students, lawyers, masons, shop workers, drivers and day labourers. Even a six-year-old child, Riya, was not spared.

He stressed that the 2024 uprising did not belong to any individual or party, but to democracy-loving people of all beliefs and backgrounds.

"1971 was the year of achieving independence, while 2024 was the movement to protect the freedom of the country and its people," Tarique said.

To uphold the spirit of the movement, he said political and economic freedom of every citizen must be ensured.

He urged people to remain alert against those who seek to use the movement for party interests.

On compensation for the injured, Tarique said no compensation can truly cover their suffering. However, the state must ensure the best possible treatment and fulfil the political and economic rights for which they took to the streets.

Calling the next national election very important, the BNP chief said that if a safe and democratic Bangladesh cannot be built, such mourning and grief will continue in the future.

He called on everyone to work for the victory of democracy.

At the meeting, the mother of Anas, who was killed in the July movement, said, "We believe that if you [Tarique] win the next election and come to power, you will ensure justice for the killing of all martyrs."

She added, "The purpose for which the interim government was formed has not yet been fulfilled. Even today, my son's killers have not been arrested. We believe that if the BNP forms the government, you will ensure justice."

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi and Amra BNP Poribar Convener Atiqur Rahman Rumon also spoke. Tarique Rahman's wife, Dr Zubaida Rahman, was present at the meeting.

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