Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Saturday called for collective efforts to build a better Bangladesh, saying the sacrifices made during the July Mass Uprising and at different times in the country’s history were aimed at creating a more developed and livable country.

He made the remarks while handing over appointment letters to 10 family members of those killed or seriously injured in the July 2024 Mass Uprising at the Prime Minister’s Office in Tejgaon, said PM’s deputy press secretary Hasan Shiplu.

“Some of you directly took part in the July movement while some had loved ones who participated. It is because of your sacrifice or that of your loved ones that the people of Bangladesh can live in a free environment today,” Tarique Rahman said.

He recalled the sacrifices made by people from the 1971 Liberation War to the July 2024 uprising, saying their common aspiration was to build a better Bangladesh where people could live with greater dignity and security.

“Those whom we lost, those who were injured or otherwise affected, all made sacrifices with one aspiration — to make Bangladesh better,” the Prime Minister said.

He acknowledged that the state and government faced various limitations but the country must continue moving forward based on realities. “What we received is not the most important thing. Rather, what we were able to give to the country is what matters most,” Tarique Rahman said.

He expressed hope that if the country could move forward gradually with this goal in mind, the aspirations of its people could be achieved through collective efforts.

The Prime Minister said efforts would continue to properly recognise the sacrifices of those killed and injured in the July movement.

Appointment letters were handed over to family members of 10 people killed or seriously injured during the July uprising.

The recipients included Sabina Akter Rima, wife of martyr Md Sohag; Rajia Khatun, wife of martyr Md Shahriar; Afsana Akter, wife of martyr Md Abdullah Kabir; Akleema Akter, wife of martyr Md Mostafa Kamal Raju; Sumaiya Akter Subarna, wife of martyr Md Jewel; Samia Islam Popy, sister of martyr Miraj; Hafiza Akter Happy, wife of martyr Ahsan Kabir; and Farzana Akter Rani, wife of martyr Omar Nurul Absar.

Sabana Akter, wife of seriously injured Md Abdul Matin, and Mosa Arju Akter, wife of seriously injured Md Zulfikar Alam, also received appointment letters.

Fatema Tuz Zohra, mother of martyr Abdullah Bin Zahid, and injured July fighter Soheli Tamanna, who recently joined their jobs, also met the Prime Minister at the programme.

Family members of the martyrs and injured July fighters expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister after receiving their appointment letters.

Prime Minister’s Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Rumon and Amra BNP Poribar Member Secretary Krishibid Moksedul Momin Mithun were present at the programme.