‘BNP will set separate wing for families of July warriors’
Staff Reporter :
BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman on Sunday announced that his party intends to establish a separate wing under the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs to provide long-term support to the families of martyrs and fighters of the July 2024 mass uprising, if BNP assumes state power.
He made the remarks while addressing a views-exchange programme with the families of those who lost their lives and individuals who were seriously injured during the July movement.
Tarique Rahman described the upcoming national election as “critically important” for restoring democracy and ensuring a secure Bangladesh.
Recalling BNP’s past initiatives, he said that when the party was previously in government, it formed the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs to care for the families of those martyred or injured in the 1971 Liberation War.
Building on that legacy, Tarique said BNP has now resolved that, upon forming a future government with public support, it will take concrete steps to alleviate the hardships faced by the families of July martyrs, July fighters and the injured.
“We cannot return the lives we have lost,” he said. “But we have a moral obligation to stand beside the families left behind and address their needs and struggles. This is why we have decided to create a new department under the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs dedicated to their welfare.”
‘July Fighters Deserve Recognition as Freedom Fighters’
The BNP chief asserted that those killed or wounded during the July uprising must be formally recognised as freedom fighters.
“In 1971, people sacrificed their lives to gain independence. Similarly, in 2024, the fighters stood up to safeguard the country’s independence and sovereignty,” he said.
According to Tarique, independence was achieved in 1971 and once again defended in 2024 through a mass uprising against fascism.
He said the decision to establish the new department was taken after listening to the pain, sacrifices and experiences shared by the victims and their families.
The programme, organised by BNP at the Krishibid Institution Bangladesh (KIB) auditorium in Farmgate, was held in honour of those killed and injured in the July uprising.
BNP Chairperson’s wife, Dr Zubaida Rahman, attended the programme as a guest and sat beside the families of the martyrs. She was seen speaking with several victims and relatives.
Emotional scenes unfolded as family members recounted their losses, and at one point, Tarique Rahman stepped down from the stage to personally listen to the injured and offer words of comfort. ‘Killings Amount to Genocide’