PM meets families of soldiers killed in Hathazari blast, provides financial aid

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Tuesday met the families of two army personnel killed in a shell explosion during tank firing at the Hathazari Field Firing Range in Chattogram and handed over cheques as financial assistance.

The meeting took place at the Prime Minister’s Office in Tejgaon on Tuesday morning. Tarique Rahman spoke to the family members and expressed his deep condolences over the deaths.

The prime minister’s wife Dr Zubaida Rahman, Chief of Army Staff General Waker-Uz-Zaman and senior army officials were present.

“Our army personnel lost their lives while performing their duties for the country. They made the ultimate sacrifice for the nation. The nation will remember their sacrifice with deep respect,” Tarique said.

Addressing the bereaved families, he assured them that the government and the army would always stand by them.

“We are with you during this difficult time and will remain by your side. The government and the army will always support your families. Alongside providing necessary assistance, the government will fulfil its responsibility to look after the families of the fallen soldiers,” he said.

The prime minister later handed over cheques as financial assistance to the families of the two soldiers.

The army will also take steps to build a house for each family at the soldiers’ permanent addresses, according to the statement. Arrangements will also be made for jobs for their wives and monthly allowances for their children.

The two soldiers -- operator Abu Bakar Siddiq and gunner Md Tasnim Rifat -- were killed in the shell explosion during tank firing at the Hathazari Field Firing Range on 9 September.

Abu Bakar Siddiq’s family members who attended the meeting were his wife Suraiya Akter Juthi, daughter Fatema Siddika, father Abdul Wahab and mother Parvin Akter.

Tasnim Rifat’s family was represented by his wife Mosammat Fahmida Afrin, daughter Rafsa Tasnim Ifra and father Md Asadul Haque.