Staff Reporter:
Despite holding a continuous sit-in in front of the National Press Club for two months to press for their two-point demand, families of freedom fighters and slum dwellers have expressed strong condemnation and protest against the government for failing to take any effective steps so far. They also urged the authorities to promptly accept their demands.
At a press conference held on Sunday at the National Press Club premises, Md. Abdur Rahim, convenor of the Shahid Muktijoddha Poribar O Songram Parishad (Families of Martyred Freedom Fighters and Struggle Council), voiced this protest. Leaders of various political parties attended the event, expressed their solidarity with the two-point demand, and urged the government to meet them without delay.
At the conference, Abdur Rahim sought a meeting with the Chief Adviser, saying, “We have been continuing our movement and struggle for a long time, but no effective solution has yet been reached. Therefore, we want to meet the Chief Adviser of the interim government, Dr Muhammad Yunus. We believe that if he hears us, the issues will be resolved swiftly.” Hundreds of slum dwellers and numerous leaders of the Freedom Fighters’ Families and Struggle Council were present at the time.
After the press conference, the protesters brought out a procession and staged a sit-in in front of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC). Later, a five-member delegation led by Md. Abdur Rahim met the ACC Director General. Upon hearing their complaints, the DG assured that legal action would be taken against those involved in the previously investigated issues, including officials from the Land Ministry.
In the press conference, Abdur Rahim said, “We have been holding a sit-in for 60 consecutive days at the National Press Club premises, demanding compensation for the Kolmilata Bazar victims and reinstatement of the Mirpur Bhashantek Slum Rehabilitation Project agreement, which was cancelled by fascist Hasina, as well as the implementation of slum rehabilitation across the country. We have repeatedly urged the government to accept our demands, but they have not responded. Once again, we urge them – intimidation, cases, arrests, or police torture cannot suppress our rightful demands. If our demands are not accepted immediately, we will be compelled to announce a tougher agitation. Should the situation turn volatile, the government alone will bear the responsibility.”
The protesters are expected to meet again this week with the Deputy Commissioner of Dhaka and the Adviser and Additional Secretary of the Land Ministry to review the progress on the issues.
