Dhaka: The interim government has initiated a program to provide financial assistance to those injured and the families of martyrs from the July uprising. Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus inaugurated the program by distributing cheques to the families of 21 July martyrs and seven injured individuals at a ceremony held in his office.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the inauguration was attended by Liberation War Affairs Adviser Faruk E Azam, Health Adviser Nurjahan Begum, Information and Broadcasting Adviser Nahid Islam, and Special Assistant Professor Dr. Md Sayedur Rahman. During the event, members from three martyr’s families and three injured participants of the July movement shared their experiences and discussed issues such as the trial of mass killings, state honors, and financial assistance.
The government announced that the martyrs will be recognized as ‘July Martyrs’ and the injured as ‘July Fighters’, with identity cards being issued to them. Each martyr’s family will receive a one-time financial assistance of Taka 30 lakh, distributed through national savings bonds over two fiscal years. Additionally, these families will receive a monthly allowance of Taka 20,000, and working members will be given priority in government job placements.
For the July fighters, benefits are categorized into two medical categories. Those severely injured will receive a one-time payment of Taka 5 lakh and a monthly allowance of Taka 20,000. They will also have access to lifelong medical facilities and necessary training. Fighters under Category B will receive a one-time allowance of Taka 3 lakh and a monthly stipend of Taka 15,000, along with training and priority in job placements.
The government has published a gazette listing 834 martyrs, with an upcoming gazette to include the injured. Information Adviser Nahid Islam acknowledged the delay in institutional processes but emphasized the interim government’s commitment to honoring the July heroes amidst challenging circumstances.