Online Desk  :   The interim government has officially begun providing financial assistance to the injured individuals and families of the martyrs of the July uprising, marking a significant step in recognizing their sacrifices.  Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus inaugurated the program by handing over cheques to the families of 21 July martyrs and seven injured individuals at his office.  Liberation War Affairs Adviser Faruk E Azam, Health Adviser Nurjahan Begum, Information and Broadcasting Adviser Nahid Islam, and Special Assistant (State Minister) Professor Dr. Md Sayedur Rahman were present at the event. During the meeting, representatives from three martyr families and three injured July fighters shared their experiences, calling for justice, state honors, financial support, and rehabilitation. Many were overwhelmed with emotion as they recalled the tragic events of the uprising.

The government has formally recognized those who lost their lives in the movement as “July Martyrs” and the injured as “July Fighters.” Identity cards will be issued to both groups to ensure they receive the promised benefits. Each martyr’s family will receive a one-time financial grant of Taka 30 lakh, with Taka 10 lakh to be provided through a national savings bond in the fiscal year 2024-2025 and the remaining Taka 20 lakh in July of the fiscal year 2025-2026.  Additionally, they will receive a monthly allowance of Taka 20,000, and working family members will be given priority for government and semi-government jobs.

For the injured July fighters, the government has categorized financial support into two groups. Those in Category A, classified as severely injured, will receive a one-time payment of Taka 5 lakh, with Taka 2 lakh provided in the fiscal year 2024-2025 and the remaining Taka 3 lakh in the fiscal year 2025-2026. They will also receive a monthly allowance of Taka 20,000, lifelong medical care at government hospitals, and access to domestic and international medical services based on recommendations from a medical board. Additionally, they will be provided with rehabilitation training and job placement assistance.

Category B fighters will receive a one-time allowance of Taka 3 lakh, distributed as Taka 1 lakh in 2024-2025 and Taka 2 lakh in 2025-2026. They will be entitled to a monthly allowance of Taka 15,000, job training, and priority access to government and semi-government employment opportunities. Identity cards will be issued to them, granting access to various government benefits.  So far, the government has published a gazette listing 834 martyrs from the July uprising. A list of the injured has also been compiled and will soon be published through an official notification. Speaking at the event, Information Adviser Nahid Islam acknowledged the delay in implementing institutional measures but reassured victims and their families that the government is committed to honoring the sacrifices made. He emphasized that despite the challenges faced by the interim administration, efforts were made to ensure justice and recognition for the heroes of the uprising. He expressed regret for not being able to implement the program earlier but reaffirmed the government’s dedication to upholding the dignity of the July fighters and their families.