PM: July martyrs liberated 20 crore people from fascism

PM: July martyrs’ supreme sacrifice liberated 20 crore people from fascist rule

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Saturday said the supreme sacrifices of martyrs and victims of the country’s democratic movements, particularly those of the July uprising, had paved the way for 20 crore people to break free from fascist rule.

He pledged that his government would work to realise the democratic aspirations of the July martyrs, as well as those of freedom fighters and victims of enforced disappearances, killings and repression under the previous administration.

“You have suffered an irreparable loss that can never be compensated. Nevertheless, we have stood by you, continue to stand by you and will remain by your side in the future,” he said.

The prime minister was speaking at a programme at his office in Dhaka’s Tejgaon, where 74 people—including family members of victims of enforced disappearances and killings, July uprising martyrs and those injured during the uprising—received government appointment letters. Tarique personally handed over letters to 10 recipients.

“Despite our limited resources, we will make every possible effort to stand beside you,” said Tarique, who is also chairman of the ruling BNP, in an emotional voice. He described the gathering as a deeply painful moment for the nation.

“We remember those who should have been with us today but are no longer here. Tragically, they have been taken from us. It is through their supreme sacrifice that 20 crore people of this country have been liberated from a fascist regime,” he said.

Tarique said only Almighty Allah knew where the missing people were and what condition they were in, urging everyone to pray for the eternal peace of those who had died.

Acknowledging that it was not always possible to accomplish everything immediately due to various practical realities, he said the sacrifices of the July martyrs and fighters remained the guiding force behind every initiative undertaken by the current government.

The prime minister also sought constructive suggestions and cooperation from families who lost loved ones during the 2024 July uprising, asking them to help the government advance the country in line with the hopes and aspirations of those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

Family members of victims of enforced disappearance and extrajudicial killings, along with relatives of July uprising martyrs and injured fighters, spoke at the programme and shared their experiences with the prime minister.

Among those receiving appointment letters were injured July fighter Alal Ahmed, who lost his eyesight; Md Abul Hossain, father of martyr Alvi; Jartaj Parvin, mother of martyr Ahnaf; injured fighter Kazi Saimum Siraj; and Mahbub Alam, brother of martyr Israfil Islam.

The recipients thanked the prime minister for providing the employment opportunities and called for those responsible for enforced disappearances and killings to be brought to justice.

Cabinet Secretary Nasimul Gani, Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister ABM Abdus Sattar, Press Secretary AAM Saleh Shibly, Deputy Press Secretaries Jahidul Islam Rony, Hasan Shiplu, Md Suzauddhowla (Sujan Mahmud) and Shahadat Shadhin, Assistant Press Secretaries AKM Nazmul Haque and Gazi Shahriar Pamir, and Amra BNP Paribar member Mokshedul Momin Mithun, among others, attended the programme.

Atiqur Rahman Ruman, convener of Amra BNP Paribar and Additional Press Secretary to the Prime Minister, moderated the event.