Journalists directly linked to the deposed ‘fascist’ government and those who incited and supported the recent genocide will be brought to justice, said Nahid Islam, adviser on Posts, Telecommunications, and Information Technology, on Sunday.
He emphasized that if any cases are filed unfairly against individuals, a committee has been established within the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting to investigate such claims.
He made these statements while distributing donation checks to those injured during recent protests at Dhaka Medical College Hospital.
Nahid Islam noted, “Financial assistance is being provided to those injured and to the families of those who lost their lives during the mass uprising through the July Shaheed Smriti Foundation.”
When asked about medical treatment for the injured abroad, he assured, “Necessary measures will be taken based on the recommendations of the relevant doctors.
Regarding the cases against journalists, he stated, “Those affiliated with the fascist government who instigated and supported genocide will face justice.” He added, “If any journalist or their family feels they are being wronged by legal actions, we encourage them to reach out to us for support.”
Discussing the legal proceedings for the injured and deceased, he mentioned, “A legal team is currently working on this, and we will ensure these cases are resolved in the Special Tribunal. The individuals who were martyred and injured during the uprising are the heroes of our nation, and we honor the sacrifices made by leaders and activists from various parties.”
He urged, “Let us not divide the martyrs and the injured based on party lines or political banners. We should refrain from exploiting their sacrifices for political gain.”
Nahid Islam also confirmed that expenses for those who received treatment at different locations before arriving in Dhaka Medical would be covered as well.
Mir Mahbubur Rahman Snigdho, secretary of the foundation, presented an account of donations to the injured from the July Foundation before journalists.
He announced that a total of 122 individuals have received a total of Tk 1,22,64, 400, amounting to Tk 1 lakh each. Among these, 23 out of the 30 individuals currently receiving treatment at Dhaka Medical College were issued checks for Tk1 lakh each. The remaining 7 individuals received their payments via BKash.
Additionally, funds have been provided through BKash for 33 individuals being treated at the National Institute of Ophthalmology and 59 individuals at the National Orthopedic Hospital and Rehabilitation Institute (Pangu Hospital).
In total, the July Shaheed Smriti Foundation has donated Tk 1,71, 42, 050 to 176 injured individuals so far.