PM: July martyrs freed 20cr people from fascism

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman said on Saturday that the supreme sacrifice of the martyrs and victims of the country’s democratic struggles, particularly those of the July uprising, had paved the way for 20 crore people to break free from fascist rule.

He pledged that his government would work to fulfil the democratic goals and aspirations of the July martyrs, as well as those of the freedom fighters (FFs) and victims of enforced disappearances, killings and repression under the previous administration. 

“An irreparable loss you have suffered that cannot be compensated for in any way. Nevertheless, we have stood by you, continue to do so and will remain by your side in the future,” he said while addressing a programme at his office in Dhaka’s Tejgaon where 74 people, including family members of victims of enforced disappearances and killings, July uprising martyrs and those injured during the uprising, received government appointment letters. Tarique personally handed over letters to 10 recipients.

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“Even with limited resources, we will make every effort to stand by you,” said Tarique, also chairman of the ruling BNP, in an emotional voice, describing the gathering as an extremely painful moment for the nation.

“We are remembering those who should have been among us today. But tragically, they are no longer among us. It is only their supreme sacrifice that the country’s 200 million people have been liberated from a fascist regime,” he said.

Tarique said only Almighty Allah knew where those who were absent were and in what condition they were living, and urged everyone to pray for the eternal peace of the departed souls.

He acknowledged that it was often not possible to accomplish everything quickly because of various realities, but said the self-sacrifice of the July martyrs and fighters remained the guiding spirit of every task undertaken by the present government.

The prime minister also sought well-thought-out opinions and cooperation from families who lost their loved ones during the July uprising in 2024, urging them to help the government move the country forward in line with the hopes and aspirations of the martyrs.

Family members of victims of enforced disappearance and extrajudicial killings, as well as relatives of July uprising martyrs and injured fighters, spoke at the programme and shared their experiences and sentiments with the prime minister.

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Among the job recipients were injured July fighter Alal Ahmed, who lost his eyesight; Md Abul Hossain, father of martyr Alvi; Jartaj Parvin, mother of martyr Ahnaf; injured fighter Kazi Saimum Siraj; and Mahbub Alam, brother of martyr Israfil Islam.

They expressed gratitude to the prime minister for providing the jobs and demanded punishment for those responsible for enforced disappearances and killings.

Cabinet Secretary Nasimul Gani, Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister ABM Abdus Sattar, Press Secretary AAM Saleh Shibly, Deputy Press Secretaries Jahidul Islam Rony, Hasan Shiplu, Md Suzauddhowla (Sujan Mahmud) and Shahadat Shadhin, Assistant Press Secretaries AKM Nazmul Haque and Gazi Shahriar Pamir, and Amra BNP Paribar member Mokshedul Momin Mithun, among others, were present.

Atiqur Rahman Ruman, convener of Amra BNP Paribar and Additional Press Secretary to the Prime Minister, moderated the programme.