Several individuals injured during the July Uprising vandalised the office of the July Martyrs Memorial Foundation on Tuesday evening after reportedly being denied promised financial assistance.
The incident took place at the foundation’s Shahbagh office in the capital, where protesters expressed frustration over being repeatedly misled about the disbursement of the second instalment for medical treatment aid.
According to those involved, 20 to 25 injured persons who are currently undergoing treatment at the neighbouring Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) gathered in front of the foundation office around noon. They had been assured earlier that they would receive aid on Tuesday. However, after waiting for several hours, they were informed by the foundation’s Chief Executive Officer Kamal Akbar in the evening that no funds would be disbursed that day.
This announcement led to outrage among the injured individuals, who then locked the office and, following a verbal altercation with a foundation staff member, vandalised furniture and equipment.
Mamun Hossain, one of the injured, said, “We applied for medical support, but every time we came here, we were told to come again. They kept delaying, giving us false hope.”
CEO Kamal Akbar acknowledged the incident and explained the possible reasons behind the protest. “Many of those injured during the July uprising are still dealing with psychological trauma and uncertainty about their future. That distress might have triggered the incident,” he said.
Addressing the allegation of delaying financial aid, Akbar clarified, “We have already provided the first round of support to those with severe injuries. In the second phase, 806 seriously injured individuals have received assistance. The remaining recipients will get their aid in phases.”
The July Uprising, which turned into a nationwide movement last year, resulted in dozens of deaths and injuries as security forces opened fire on demonstrators demanding the resignation of the then prime minister. The government later pledged financial aid to those injured in the crackdown.
Despite this commitment, delays and poor coordination have fuelled growing dissatisfaction among the victims, some of whom continue to suffer from long-term medical complications without adequate support.