July victims get expanded benefits
The government has proposed expanded financial assistance, rehabilitation support, and tax relief for the families of those killed and injured in the July 2024 mass uprising as part of the FY2026-27 national budget.
Presenting the budget in Parliament on Thursday, Finance Minister Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury said monthly allowances for families of July martyrs and injured July fighters will continue, while the number of beneficiaries under the programme will be increased.
Families of July martyrs are currently receiving a monthly allowance of Tk20,000. Injured July fighters receive allowances in three categories based on the severity of their injuries. Category A beneficiaries receive Tk20,000 per month, Category B beneficiaries receive Tk15,000, and Category C beneficiaries receive Tk10,000.
The budget proposes adding 1,857 new beneficiaries to the programme, taking the total number of recipients to 16,513.
To support long-term recovery and rehabilitation, the government has proposed a Tk300 crore allocation for housing and rehabilitation assistance. The fund will be used for the families of those killed in the uprising and for July fighters who have permanently lost their earning capacity.
The budget also highlighted support for children affected by the uprising. Financial assistance has already been provided to 84 families of children who lost their lives, including a one-time award of Tk50,000 in prize bonds and a crest of honour.
The government plans to continue programmes for the physical and psychological recovery of children injured during the uprising and support their reintegration into society.
In addition, gazetted injured July Warriors will receive tax benefits. The government has proposed a special tax-free income threshold of Tk5.25 lakh for the assessment years 2026-27 and 2027-28.
Meanwhile, the government has proposed increasing monthly allowances for the families of martyred freedom fighters by Tk5,000.
Under the proposal, the monthly allowance for families of Bir Sreshtho recipients will rise to Tk40,000, while families of Bir Uttom recipients will receive Tk30,000. Families of Bir Bikrom and Bir Protik recipients will receive Tk25,000 each.
The finance minister also proposed a total allocation of Tk1,44,338 crore for the social security sector in FY2026-27, up from Tk1,26,731 crore in the revised budget for FY2025-26, reflecting the government’s commitment to strengthening social protection and welfare programmes.
