PM Vows Support for July Martyrs, Injured Families

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman today spoke at the July National Conference at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Center in Agargaon.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Friday pledged proper recognition, rehabilitation and long-term support for the families of martyrs and those injured in the July Mass Uprising.

He made the commitment while addressing the July National Conference at Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Center in Agargaon.

The prime minister said the government remains firmly committed to preserving the legacy of the July martyrs and honoring the sacrifices of those injured during 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,” he said.

Tarique Rahman said the sacrifices made during the July Movement were driven by the collective aspiration to build a better future for Bangladesh.

“The achievement of August 5 does not belong to any individual or political party. It belongs to every democracy-loving citizen of the country. It is the result of the collective sacrifices of the people,” he said.

Reaffirming his government’s commitment to justice, the prime minister said those responsible for the killings during the uprising would face trial in Bangladesh, but stressed that due process must be upheld.

“The trial of the July martyrs will take place on the soil of this country. However, justice must not become a source of injustice. Even if it takes time, we must ensure fair and proper justice for all,” he said.

Calling for national unity, he said no nation can move forward while remaining divided.

Addressing the families of martyrs and the injured, Tarique Rahman acknowledged that their losses could never be fully compensated.

“You have lost your loved ones. Some of you have suffered life-changing injuries. Those losses can never truly be repaired. But if together we can build a stronger Bangladesh, one day you will be able to say with pride that their sacrifices helped change the destiny of this nation,” he said.

The conference was jointly organized by the July ’24 Martyrs’ Families Society and the Central Executive Committee of Amra July Joddha.

Hundreds of relatives of those killed and injured attended the event, many sharing emotional accounts of their experiences. The gathering witnessed poignant moments as family members recounted their loss and struggles.

The programme began with recitation from the Holy Qur’an, followed by prayers for the martyrs, the national anthem and the screening of a documentary on the July Movement.

The prime minister presented commemorative “July Memorial” plaques to representatives of martyrs’ families and injured protesters. Organizers said plaques would later be distributed to all participants.

Representatives of martyrs’ families also presented a memorial plaque to the prime minister.

Several ministers, lawmakers, diplomats, senior military and civil officials, and leaders of professional bodies attended the event.

The July 2024 movement began as student protests demanding reforms to the government job quota system before evolving into a nationwide anti-government movement.

According to government records, 834 people were officially recognized as martyrs of the July uprising. A United Nations investigation into alleged human rights violations during the unrest estimated that more than 1,400 people may have been killed between July 1 and August 15.