Liberation War Affairs Adviser Faruk-e-Azam announced on Monday that participants of the historic July student-people uprising will begin receiving monthly financial support starting next month, with wounded fighters qualifying for lifetime free treatment at government hospitals.
The announcement came during an exclusive interview with state-run Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS) at the Secretariat.
Highlighting the interim government’s efficiency, Faruk-e-Azam noted that, while it took 54 years to finalise the list of genuine 1971 freedom fighters, the current administration compiled and verified records of July uprising martyrs and injured participants within just seven to eight months.
“This achievement demonstrates our government’s sincere commitment to honoring these heroes,” he stated.
The support package includes tiered monthly allowances based on injury severity, with Category A fighters (those rendered blind or limbless) receiving Tk 20,000, Category B (partially disabled) getting Tk 15,000, and Category C (recovered participants) obtaining Tk 10,000.
Martyrs’ families will receive a substantial one-time grant of Tk 30 lakh, with Tk 10 lakh already distributed through national savings certificates this fiscal year and the remaining Tk 20 lakh scheduled for July 2025.
A newly established department within the Liberation War Affairs Ministry, staffed by 20 officers and led by an additional secretary, operates round-the-clock to coordinate these initiatives. The department has already facilitated overseas medical treatment for severely injured fighters, including seven individuals sent to Turkey, while others received care in Thailand and other countries.
Faruk-e-Azam emphasised the government’s comprehensive approach, which extends beyond financial support to include priority in government employment for martyrs’ families, rehabilitation training programs, and specialised identity cards for all recognised participants.
The adviser also revealed plans to institutionalise the memory of the uprising, with the government having declared August 5 to be a national public holiday.
Acknowledging implementation challenges, Faruk-e-Azam noted that 134 martyrs’ families face payment delays due to inheritance complications, while some inaccuracies in the injured fighters’ list require correction.
“We’re resolving these issues systematically,” he assured, reaffirming the government’s dedication to fulfilling its obligations to those who sacrificed for democratic change.