ছবি: Photo: Collected
The government has announced that individuals recognized as 'July Uprising Martyrs' and 'July Fighters' will receive financial support, including a one-time grant and a monthly allowance, as confirmed by Faruq-e-Azam, Advisor to the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs.
Speaking to journalists on Monday after the second day of the District Commissioner Conference, where sessions of the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs and the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief were held, Faruq-e-Azam elaborated on the initiative.
He stated that those who were martyred during the July Uprising would be officially recognized as 'July Uprising Martyrs,' and their families would be issued certificates and identity cards. Similarly, individuals injured during the uprising will be designated as 'July Fighters' and will receive official recognition in the form of certificates and identity cards. These individuals will also be entitled to various government benefits, including lifelong medical facilities and financial assistance.
Faruq-e-Azam further detailed the financial support scheme, stating that the families of those martyred in the July Uprising would receive a one-time grant of 30 lakh taka through savings certificates. Of this amount, 10 lakh taka will be provided within the current fiscal year, while the remaining 20 lakh taka will be issued in the form of savings certificates starting from July of the next fiscal year.
Additionally, the government has categorized the fighters into three groups. Fighters in Category 'A' will receive a one-time grant of 5 lakh taka along with a monthly allowance of 20,000 taka. Those classified under Category 'B' will be granted 3 lakh taka as a one-time payment and a monthly stipend of 15,000 taka. Meanwhile, Category 'C' fighters will be prioritized for rehabilitation and given preference in government employment opportunities.
When asked whether the existence of the July Department might be at risk if a political government comes to power, Faruq-e-Azam dismissed such concerns. He asserted that the department had been officially established by the government and expressed confidence that any future political administration would uphold the ideals of the July Uprising. He emphasized that those involved in the movement had made sacrifices for the liberation of the country and the elimination of discrimination, and he believed any new government would respect and preserve that legacy.
He also disclosed that the official list of July Uprising Martyrs had been finalized on January 16 and subsequently gazetted at 3 AM that night. The categorization process for injured individuals is being handled by the Health Ministry, and once the list is submitted to the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs, the gazette notification will be issued immediately. He assured that there would be no opportunities for arbitrary inclusion or exclusion from the list.
Regarding concerns raised by injured individuals about removing the categorization, Faruq-e-Azam stated that there were no such plans at the moment. He clarified that the Health Ministry is currently overseeing the process, and once their assessment is complete, the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs will take necessary action. He also acknowledged that some of those who were injured in the early days of the uprising did not retain or collect medical documentation. However, such cases are being considered to ensure they receive due recognition and benefits.
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