United News of Bangladesh

The government on Monday (December 01) approved two major housing projects involving over Tk 2100 crore aimed at rehabilitating families of July martyrs and the injured protesters. The approval was given at an ECNEC meeting chaired by Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus at the NEC Conference room in Dhaka. Under the two project, s 804 flats will be constructed at Mirpur Section-14 for martyred families at an estimated cost of Tk 761.16 crore and 1,560 flats at Mirpur Section-9 for injured protesters involving Tk 1,344.41 crore. Six 14-storey buildings with common basements and twelve 10-storey buildings will be constructed at Mirpur section 14 between January 2026 and December 2029. Read more: Don’t exploit July-August uprising for political gain: Salahuddin The project was initially reviewed by ECNEC on July 27, 2025. Besides, 1,560 flats for families of July movement participants who became permanently disabled will be built between  July 2025 to June 2029. The project will comprise 15 buildings each 14 storeys including a basement. After the ECNEC meeting Planning Adviser Dr Wahiduddin Mahmud told reporters that the two projects were placed on separate implementation timelines based on the nature of support required by the affected families. He said the construction of 1,560 residential flats in Mirpur Section-9 for families of July warriors who lost their ability to work during the 2024 Anti-Discrimination Student Movement will commence in July 2025 and continue until June 2029. Read more: July Memorial set on fire in Manikganj He noted that the second scheme—construction of the “36 July” residential complex in Mirpur Section-14 for the families of those killed during the movement will run from January 2026 to December 2029. Dr Mahmud pointed out that extending support to families of those permanently disabled is comparatively straightforward as eligibility is clear and can be verified directly. Under existing laws, he said, determining the rightful recipient of such benefits—whether the spouse, parents, or other heirs—may require judicial clarity or internal agreement within families. He added that the government would follow the established policy framework, already documented and approved, to ensure fairness and legal consistency while allocating the flats. Where necessary, courts may provide final determinations, while in other cases families may resolve inheritance matters themselves before allocations proceed. “The policy under which such support is provided is already recorded, and allocations will be made accordingly,” he told reporters. Read more: ECNEC clears 17 projects with Tk 15,383 cr

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus has called on all citizens to unite in building a new Bangladesh, inspired by the ideals of the July martyrs who dreamt of a nation free from discrimination, corruption and autocracy. "With renewed determination, we will move forward together on the path of a new Bangladesh, guided by the spirit of July. This is our pledge today," he said in a message marking July Martyrs’ Day, being observed today for the first time across the country. To commemorate the occasion, the government has declared a day of state mourning.  The national flag is being flown at half-mast at all government, semi-government, autonomous and educational institutions, as well as at all public and private buildings and Bangladesh missions abroad. Special prayers are being held in mosques across the country for the forgiveness of the martyrs, while religious institutions of other faiths are also organising prayers for the peace of their souls. The Cabinet Division issued a notification on Tuesday. Reflecting on the day’s significance, Prof Yunus said, “On this day, I remember with deep respect all those who laid down their lives in the July mass uprising to free the nation from the chains of tyranny.” He described July 16, 2024, as an important point in the country’s history, when students, workers and ordinary citizens joined hands in protest against the discriminatory quota system.  Prof Yunus doesn’t intend to be declared as "national reformer": Govt At least six people were martyred in Chattogram, Rangpur and Dhaka in police shootings and attacks by armed groups during the protests, Prof Yunus said. “The sacrifice of these fearless individuals energised the movement and gave it powerful momentum,” he said.  As public outrage grew, so did participation, the Chief Adviser said lakhs of students, workers, and citizens took to the streets, and the rising number of martyrs only strengthened the resolve of the protesters. Prof Yunus said the anti-quota movement eventually transformed into a full-blown anti-government uprising and the then ruling dictator fled the country.  In return for the blood of martyrs, a new dawn of freedom broke over the nation, he said, adding that the July martyrs have etched an epic tale of heroism in history. To honour their memory and support their families, the interim government has launched a number of welfare initiatives, he said.  These include the establishment of the July Mass Uprising Directorate and the July Shaheed Smriti Foundation, which are tasked with preserving the history and supporting the families of martyrs and injured protesters. Prof Yunus also announced that a comprehensive list of July martyrs is being compiled and will be officially published in a government gazette.  Each martyr’s family is receiving a Tk 30 lakh compensation along with a monthly allowance. Support is also being extended to those injured in the movement. Prof Yunus offered prayers for the eternal peace of those who gave their lives in the July uprising.

The National University (NU) has introduced ‘July Martyrs’ Memorial Scholarship’, to be awarded annually in honour of the courageous role played by students in the historic July Uprising. The announcement came on Tuesday as Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus, handed over the scholarship cheques to three students at a ceremony held at the Chief Adviser’s Office, marking the inauguration of month-long programmes to commemorate the anniversary of the July Uprising. Under this scholarship programme, one-time financial assistance will be provided to talented students from disadvantaged, marginalised and specially-abled backgrounds who are studying at NU-affiliated colleges and institutes across the country at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels, according to the Chief Adviser’s Press Wing. This year, a total of 2,040 students from 725 institutions are set to receive the scholarship. The National University is the largest higher education institution in the country, serving as the parent body for around 2,000 colleges and over four million students. Some 32 students of NU sacrificed their lives during the July Uprising. Speaking at the event, Education Adviser Prof CR Abrar said, “A year ago, Bangladesh’s youth ushered in a proud chapter in the nation’s history through the July Uprising. As a result of that historic movement, we as a nation transitioned from being a population deprived of rights to empowered citizens.” He said the uprising paved the way for transforming the state from a repressive, isolated and authoritarian institution into a people-oriented, accountable entity governed by people elected representatives a responsibility that now lies with the present government. ‘July Shaheed Day’ to be observed on July 16, ‘Mass Uprising Day’ Aug 5 “We must rebuild state institutions in a way that prevents the return of authoritarianism in this country. On this commemorative day of the July Uprising, we pay tribute to that national aspiration,” Prof Abrar added. He criticised the previous government’s nearly 15-year tenure, particularly the last decade, accusing it of unlawfully ruling over the people, curbing freedom of expression and eroding citizens' fundamental rights. “They made enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings and a culture of repression as tradition. People were detained for years without trial. They weakened key state institutions including parliament, the judiciary and the Election Commission,” he added. Abrar noted that election after election turned into mockery, adding, “In the end, to crush student and public protests, they deployed state and party forces, committing crimes against humanity.” He mentioned that they have embarked on the difficult but essential task of ensuring justice for those responsible. Highlighting the role of education in building an inclusive and equitable society, he said, “Education is the key to reducing inequality. Despite time constraints, this government is working to bring qualitative changes in the education sector.” He said they are committed to building an education system where people from all sections, from children to marginalised groups, can participate in the pursuit of knowledge, justice and ethical values. The education adviser remarked the July Uprising not only gave the nation a new beginning but also ignited new dreams. “Our youth must prepare themselves not only to lead Bangladesh but to represent the country on the global stage. Education will play a vital role in shaping that,” the education adviser added. NU Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr ASM Amanullah, Pro-Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Lutfor Rahman and Treasurer Prof Dr ATM Zafrul Azam were also present at the ceremony.