PM vows justice, recognition, rehab for July warriors

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Saturday pledged justice, state recognition and long-term rehabilitation for the families of those killed and injured in 2024 July uprising, as grieving relatives made emotional appeals for accountability at a national conference in Dhaka.
Addressing the gathering at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre in Agargaon, the prime minister said his government remained committed to honouring the sacrifices of the July martyrs and ensuring support for those who continue to bear the physical and emotional scars of the movement.
“We are working to ensure the highest respect, recognition, improved quality of life, comprehensive rehabilitation and necessary support for the families of the martyrs and the July fighters,” said Tarique, who also chairs the ruling BNP.
The event jointly organised by the July ’24 Martyrs’ Families Society and Amra July Joddha, brought together hundreds of relatives of those killed and injured during the uprising. The programme included prayers for the dead, the national anthem and a documentary on the movement.
During the conference, several family members broke down as they recounted the deaths of their loved ones and urged the government to ensure swift justice.
Tarique reaffirmed that those responsible for the killings would face trial, stressing that the judicial process must remain fair.
“The trial will surely take place on the soil of this country as justice must not become a source of injustice for anyone. Even if it takes a long time, we must ensure that the guilty receive fair and proper punishment,” he said.
Rejecting the idea of revenge, Tarique said he often wondered what advice his mother, former prime minister and BNP chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia, would have given him over the injustices she endured.
“I believe she would have said your duty now is to unite everyone and move the country forward. I know my brother will give me the same answer,” he said.
He said the sacrifices of the July Movement were made with the hope of securing a better future for the country and insisted that the “victory of 5 August” belonged not to any individual or party but to all democracy-loving citizens.
Calling for national reconciliation, the prime minister said no country could move forward if deeply divided.
“You have lost your loved ones and some of you have lost parts of your bodies. Those losses can never truly be restored. But if together we can build a stronger Bangladesh, one day you will be able to say with pride that your loved ones’ sacrifices helped change the destiny of this nation,” he said.
Among those who spoke was Abdul Rob Mia, father of Miraj Hossain, who said: “Every July brings back unbearable pain. On 5 August, police of the fascist Hasina government riddled my son’s chest with bullets. I am a helpless father seeking justice.”
Shafiul Alam, father of Wasim from Chattogram, said no parent should have to suffer such loss, while Abu Hossain, brother of Abu Sayeed, urged swift justice and preservation of the memories of the July fighters.
Fatematuz Johra said her family’s pain deepened after losing one son while another was diagnosed with cancer. She thanked Amra BNP Paribar and the prime minister for their support.
Survivors of the uprising, including Shahin Malu, Millat Hossain, Sujan Molla, Alamin and Mehedi Hasan Miraj, also spoke, alleging neglect after the movement.
Tarique later presented “July Memorial” plaques to representatives of martyrs’ families and injured fighters. In return, the families presented a commemorative plaque to the prime minister.
According to the government gazette, 834 people have been officially recognised as martyrs of the July uprising. A United Nations investigation, however, estimated that more than 1,400 people may have been killed between 1 July and 15 August 2024.