Liberation War Affairs Adviser Faruk-e-Azam has said the current interim government is not politically motivated and is simply fulfilling its responsibility during a transitional period.
Speaking at a discussion held at the National Press Club on Wednesday morning, he stated, “We are not politicians. We are only carrying out our duties. This government will only oversee a fair election and then step aside. It has no political interest or ambition.”
The event, organised by the National Garment Workers’ Federation, focused on the families of garment workers killed or injured during the July Uprising.
Faruk-e-Azam announced several state initiatives aimed at supporting the victims’ families. “Each martyred family will receive Tk30 lakh in savings certificates. 775 families have already received Tk10 lakh,” he said. He added that every martyred family would also receive a monthly stipend of Tk20,000.
Speaking on the compensation for those injured in the uprising, he explained that victims have been classified into three categories based on the severity of their injuries. Category A victims received a one-time grant of Tk5 lakh and will be paid Tk20,000 per month. Category B received Tk3 lakh and a monthly stipend of Tk15,000. Category C victims were given Tk1 lakh and will receive Tk10,000 per month.
Faruk-e-Azam also said that a rehabilitation programme is being implemented for all affected families, including efforts to ensure sustainable livelihoods. He assured that the state would take full responsibility for their long-term well-being. All injured individuals, regardless of category, will receive lifelong free medical treatment.
During the event, several family members of those killed in the uprising demanded justice and full accountability.
The discussion was also attended by head of the Labour Reform Commission Syed Sultan Uddin Ahmed, adviser to the National Garment Workers’ Federation advocate Abed Raja, General Secretary of IndustriALL Bangladesh Council Babul Akhter, and the federation’s president, Amirul Haque Amin, and secretary, Rafiqul Islam.