BNP pledges state recognition, welfare for martyrs in manifesto

BNP has pledged to protect and strengthen the country’s independence and sovereignty achieved through the Liberation War, as well as democracy restored through mass uprisings, with a series of commitments to ensure state recognition, welfare and rehabilitation of martyrs and the injured.

The party described the July 2024 mass uprising as the latest chapter in this historical continuity and made specific promises regarding those who sacrificed their lives or were injured during the movement.

The commitments were outlined in BNP’s Election Manifesto-2026, unveiled on Friday afternoon at Hotel Sonargaon in the capital ahead of the 13th national parliamentary election.

BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman announced the manifesto under the slogan “Bangladesh First.”

According to the manifesto, democracy was restored through the 1975 soldiers-people’s uprising and the 1990 student-led mass movement after independence was achieved in 1971, while the July 2024 uprising prepared the ground for safeguarding that hard-earned freedom and democracy.

The manifesto places special emphasis on preparing an accurate list of martyrs of the Liberation War. BNP pledged to finalise the list through an intensive state-led survey and ensure proper state honour and recognition for genuine martyrs.

It also promised to formulate and implement welfare policies for families of martyred freedom fighters and to increase freedom fighter allowances in line with inflation, while ensuring that the allowance management system remains free from corruption and irregularities.

BNP claimed that the previous “fascist” government distorted the true history of the Liberation War and said appropriate initiatives would be taken to incorporate accurate historical accounts into the education curriculum.

The party further pledged to encourage investment by interested and genuine freedom fighter entrepreneurs and to prioritise qualified and skilled freedom fighters in the management of businesses and industries under the Freedom Fighters’ Welfare Trust and related institutions.

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As part of preserving the memory of the Liberation War, the manifesto also mentioned identifying scattered killing fields and mass graves across the country and constructing and preserving memorials at those sites.

Regarding the July mass uprising and the 16-year-long anti-fascist movement, BNP pledged to prepare lists of martyrs, name government establishments after them in their respective localities, and provide state recognition and financial assistance to their families. It also promised medical treatment, employment and rehabilitation for those injured or disabled during the movements.

The manifesto further stated that if BNP forms the government with public support, a separate department would be established under the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs to look after the welfare of martyrs’ families and fighters of the July uprising. The department would ensure speedy trial of cases related to martyrs and the injured, dignified livelihoods and educational responsibility for their children.

Arrangements will also be made to provide employment to members of martyrs’ families and injured individuals based on their qualifications, the manifesto said.