BNP Vows Welfare Body for Families of July Martyrs

BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman on Sunday said his party plans to create a separate department under the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs to support the families of martyrs

BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman on Sunday said his party would establish a separate department under the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs to support the families of martyrs and fighters of the July 2024 mass uprising if it comes to power.

Speaking at a views-exchange programme with families of those killed and people seriously injured during the July uprising, Tarique described the upcoming national election as “extremely important” for building a safe and democratic Bangladesh.

“When BNP was in power earlier, we created the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs to look after the families of those martyred or injured in the 1971 Liberation War,” he said. “In the same spirit, we now plan to address the suffering of the families of July martyrs, July fighters and those injured during the movement.”

He said the party had decided to create a new department under the ministry to ensure the welfare of these families. “We cannot bring back those we have lost. But we can and must take responsibility for the family members they left behind and take care of their needs and difficulties,” he added.

July fighters as freedom fighters

Tarique said those killed or injured in the July uprising should be recognised as freedom fighters.

“In 1971, freedom fighters sacrificed their lives to achieve independence. In the same way, the fighters of 2024 rose to protect the country’s independence and sovereignty,” he said, adding that independence achieved in 1971 was safeguarded again through the 2024 mass uprising against fascism.

He said the decision to establish a new department was taken after hearing the pain and suffering of the affected families at the programme.

The event, organised by BNP at the Krishibid Institution Bangladesh (KIB) auditorium in Farmgate, was held in honour of the families of those killed and injured in the July uprising.

BNP Chairman’s wife Dr Zubaida Rahman attended the programme as a guest and was seen speaking with several victims and their relatives. Family members broke down while sharing their experiences, creating an emotional atmosphere. At one point, Tarique stepped down from the stage to listen to the injured and console grieving families.

‘Genocide in July’

Tarique alleged that many people were killed, disappeared or tortured during more than a decade of what he described as fascist rule.

“More than 1,400 people were killed during the July uprising alone, while hundreds were injured, many of them permanently disabled. Some lost their eyesight or limbs. The killings during the July uprising can only be described as genocide,” he said.

He said the state has an undeniable responsibility towards those killed and injured during years of continuous anti-fascist movements, including the 2024 uprising.

“As a responsible political party, BNP feels this responsibility deeply. If we are given the mandate to govern, we will gradually fulfil our duties and commitments to the people,” he said.

Uprising belongs to the people

Tarique said the 2024 mass uprising did not belong to any individual or party. “It was a genuine uprising of democratic people who were deprived of their rights,” he said.

To consolidate the achievements of 2024, he stressed the need to ensure political and economic freedom for all citizens and warned against attempts to turn the uprising into a partisan movement.

Compensation and care

He said the suffering of the families of martyrs and the injured could never be fully compensated, but efforts could be made in two ways: ensuring the best possible medical treatment through state initiatives and fulfilling the goals for which people took to the streets—political and economic rights for all, regardless of party affiliation.

Recalling martyrs and injured people from various professions and regions, including students, labourers, drivers and children, Tarique said people from all walks of life participated in the uprising.

“Every image from that time bears witness to the fact that citizens, regardless of party, religion or profession, stood together,” he said.

Election crucial

Referring to the next parliamentary election, the BNP chairman said it was “extremely, extremely important” for establishing a safe and democratic Bangladesh.

“Those who were martyred and injured ignored the threats of fascism to build a self-reliant and democratic country. If we fail to establish such a Bangladesh, the nation will continue to witness mourning and grief,” he said.

The programme was chaired by BNP Standing Committee member Nazrul Islam Khan and conducted by Assistant Office Secretary Abdus Sattar Patwary. BNP leaders, including Ruhul Kabir Rizvi and Atikur Rahman Rumon, as well as family members of martyrs and injured persons, also spoke.