Relatives of July Uprising victims have demanded proper medical treatment and rehabilitation for the injured, along with the identification and public release of a verified list of all those killed during last year’s student-led movement, officially recognising them as members of “martyr families”.
The demands were raised at an event titled “Gathering of July Uprising Martyr Families and Injured Fighters – The People’s Aspirations and Current Political Situation”, organised by the Gonosamhati Andolon at the BMA Auditorium on Topkhana Road on Friday.
Presided over by Gonosamhati Andolon’s Chief Coordinator Zonayed Saki, the event featured speeches by family members of the victims and injured, who expressed frustration over the lack of visible progress in justice for the July killings even after a year.
Jannatul Ferdous Safa, wife of Mirpur victim Masud Rana, said: “Where were the political parties the rest of the year? Now, during the anniversary, everyone shows up. Martyr families still haven’t received their due recognition, while political parties continue to profit.”
Farzana Neela, wife of victim Omar Nurul Afsar, stated: “Political parties stand on the blood of martyrs. Though promised, the government has yet to issue the July Charter. While some recognised martyr families do receive benefits, politics continues to distract from the cries of nearly 1,500 neglected families.”
Former coordinator of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, Umama Fatema, demanded a verified list of all victims: “Between July 18-20, during internet blackouts, 127 bodies were found in mass graves at Rajarbagh. Anjuman Mafidul holds records – DNA profiling could have identified them, but the government took no initiative. Additionally, 168 street children died then, as revealed by a research body.”
Jahangirnagar University professor Hasan Ashraf noted: “A third of July’s victims were labourers. Building an equitable society is the only way to honour their sacrifice.”
Zonayed Saki emphasised: “This movement is a phase in the continuous struggle for liberation. July’s martyrs unlocked countless possible, and our duty is to advance them towards reality. We can’t let self-serving groups monopolise the economy or politics.”
Other speakers included Gonosamhati’s executive coordinator Abul Hasan Rubel, BRAC University’s Mahin Sultan, NSU’s Navine Murshid, Labour Reform Commission head Syed Sultan Uddin Ahmed, photographer Shahidul Alam, Student Federation leader Sima Akter, and SCP joint member secretary Humayra Noor.
The event was moderated by Saikat Arif, Zahid Sujan, and Farhana Manik Muna.