BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman on Sunday said his party plans to create a separate department under the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs to support the families of martyrs and fighters of the July 2024 mass uprising, if it comes to power.
Speaking at a views-exchange programme with the families of those killed in the July uprising and people seriously injured during the movement, Tarique also said the upcoming national election is ‘extremely important’ for building a safe and democratic Bangladesh.
“When BNP was in power earlier, we created the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs to look after the families of those who were martyred or injured in the 1971 Liberation War—in short, the families of freedom fighters,” he said.
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Tarique said the party has now decided that if BNP forms the government in the future with public support, it will try to address, at least to some extent, the sufferings of the families of July martyrs, July fighters and those injured during the movement.
“We cannot bring back those we have lost. But we can and must take care of the family members they left behind and look after their needs and difficulties. “That is why we will create another department under the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs to ensure the welfare of the families of these people.”
‘July Fighters Also Freedom Fighters’
The BNP chairman said those who were killed or injured in the July uprising should also be recognised as freedom fighters.
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“In 1971, the freedom fighters gave their lives to achieve independence. In the same way, the fighters of 2024 fought to protect the country’s independence and sovereignty,” he said.
Tarique said independence and sovereignty were achieved in 1971 and protected again in 2024 through the mass uprising against fascism.
“For this reason, we will establish a new department within the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs to ensure their welfare. When we heard your pain, suffering and sacrifices, Nazrul Islam Khan and I took this decision,” he said.
The programme was organised by BNP at the Krishibid Institution Bangladesh (KIB) auditorium in Farmgate in honour of the families of those killed and injured in the July uprising.
BNP Chairman’s wife Dr Zubaida Rahman sat alongside the families of the martyrs as a guest and was seen speaking with several victims and their relatives. Family members broke down while sharing their grief, creating an emotional atmosphere at the programme. At one point, Tarique Rahman stepped down from the stage, went closer to the families, listened to the injured and offered them consolation.
‘Genocide in July’
Tarique said many people were killed, disappeared or tortured during more than a decade of fascist rule under the Awami League.
“More than 1,400 people were killed during the July uprising alone, while hundreds were injured, many of them permanently disabled. Many lost their eyesight or limbs. The killings during the July uprising can only be described as genocide,” he said.
The BNP chief said the state has an undeniable responsibility towards those killed and injured during more than one and a half decades of continuous anti-fascist movements, including the 2024 uprising.
“As a responsible political party, BNP feels this responsibility deeply. If BNP is given the mandate to govern, we will gradually fulfil our duties, commitments and promises before the people, InshaAllah,” he said.
‘2024 Uprising Belongs to People
Tarique said the 2024 mass uprising did not belong to any individual, party or group. “It was a true mass uprising of democratic people who were deprived of their rights,” he said.
If the achievements of 2024 are to be consolidated, he said political and economic freedom must be ensured for all men, women and every citizen of the country.
He warned that people must remain alert against attempts to turn the mass uprising to protect independence into a movement for partisan interests.
Two Forms of Compensation
The BNP chairman said the pain and suffering of the families of martyrs and the injured cannot be erased by anything.
“However, we can try to compensate the injured in two ways—first, by ensuring the best possible medical treatment through state initiatives, and second, by fulfilling the goals for which they took to the streets: political and economic rights for all, regardless of party affiliation,” he said.
Tarique also recalled several martyrs and injured persons from different professions and regions, including students, labourers, shop workers, drivers and even children.
“People from all walks of life—irrespective of party, religion or profession—took to the streets during the 2024 uprising. Every image captured that day bears witness to this truth,” he said.
Election Crucial
Turning to the next parliamentary polls, the BNP Chairman this election is ‘extremely, extremely and extremely important’ for establishing a safe and democratic Bangladesh.
“Those who were martyred and injured in the mass uprising ignored the threats of fascism. Their goal was to build a self-reliant, safe and democratic Bangladesh. If we fail to establish a safe democratic Bangladesh in the coming days, the nation will continue to witness mourning gatherings and stories of grief. There should be no more mourning. Instead, democracy-loving people must write the story of democratic victory in future Bangladesh, InshaAllah,” he observed.
The programme was chaired by BNP Standing Committee member Nazrul Islam Khan and conducted by BNP Assistant Office Secretary Abdus Sattar Patwary. BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, Amra BNP Poribar Convener Atikur Rahman Rumon, family members of martyrs and injured persons also spoke.