[🇧🇩] Those who have laid down their lives to free Bangladesh

[Saif]

Private univ students demand justice for July-August massacre

Students from different private universities held a rally in Dhaka on Friday, demanding justice for the massacre in the July-August mass uprising.

www.newagebd.net

Private univ students demand justice for July-August massacre
Staff Correspondent 25 January, 2025, 00:29

Students from private universities gather in front of the National Museum in Dhaka to stand in solidarity with ‘March for Unity and Justice’ programme, demanding justice for the massacre in the July-August mass uprising, on Friday. | Sony Ramani

Students from different private universities held a rally in Dhaka on Friday, demanding justice for the massacre in the July-August mass uprising.

The Students Movement Against Discrimination, Combined Private Universities organised the rally titled March for Unity and Justice in front of the National Museum in the capital, which was the first event held by private universities students after the uprising.

They also called for state reform, ensuring the protection of citizens’ rights and providing proper treatment for the injured at the rally.

Kotha, a student of the East West University, said that while public universities initiated the movement against discrimination, it gained momentum with the participation of private university students, particularly from July 18.

Mentioning that private university students took to the streets after witnessing the killings of other students, she said, ‘It feels like we are failed warriors when we still have to demand proper treatment for those injured in the mass uprising.’

Another student, Md Rabiul Sani from American International University-Bangladesh, who was shot at Ashulia in Dhaka on August 4, said that there were expectations that everyone responsible for the massacre, including the ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina, would be brought to justice.

‘All citizens would be treated equally. The prices of daily commodities would be reduced. However, none of these issues were addressed by the interim government,’ he mentioned.

The students also stressed that victims from private universities were being neglected in terms of receiving proper treatment and financial assistance, emphasising that the mass uprising took place for a beautiful and safe Bangladesh, so it should not go in vain.

Representatives of around 60 universities from Dhaka, Chattogram and Sylhet divisions participated in the rally, said Monju, an organiser of the rally.

According to government data, 834 people were killed and 11,551 injured during the student-led mass uprising that began on July 1 with protests, demanding quota reform in civil service jobs and culminated in the ouster of the Sheikh Hasina-led Awami League regime on August 5, 2024.

The government is still updating the data.​

 

[Saif]

Why is the govt indifferent, ask anguished families of martyrs

Even six months after the movement, the government has yet to compile a complete list of martyrs or ensure medical treatment for all injured individuals

en.prothomalo.com

Why is the govt indifferent, ask anguished families of martyrs
Editorial Desk
Updated: 03 Feb 2025, 20: 19

Families of the martyrs held a press conference and the injured persons blocked roads to demonstrate, serving as evidence that the government has not adequately fulfilled its responsibilities towards the families of the martyrs and those who were injured.

On Saturday the families of the martyrs held a press conference demanding national recognition for the martyrs of the July uprising, rehabilitation for each affected family and the swift completion of the trials of those involved in the killings. Meanwhile on Sunday the injured individuals from the July uprising staged a protest in the capital, blocking roads from the Rajaswa Bhabhan (NBR office building) in Agargaon to the TB hospital, demanding proper medical treatment. They alleged that, despite assurances the government has not taken steps to ensure their medical care.

Members of 20 affected families spoke at the press conference organised under the banner of the Central Group of Martyrs’ families. Among them were families who lost their sole earning members. It is inconceivable that the government would remain indifferent to the rehabilitation of those who sacrificed their lives for democracy and to ensuring proper medical treatment for those who were injured.

The families of the martyrs have also demanded arrangements for a meeting with the Chief Advisor. Additionally, they have announced plans for hunger strikes and street protests if their demands are not met.
Government policymakers frequently discuss national policies and plans, often commemorating the sacrifices of the martyrs.

However, there remains a lack of prioritisation in the government’s policies and planning. Otherwise, why would the families of the martyrs still be in distress six months after the government has taken over the responsibility? Why would the injured be forced to block roads in protests?

The government established the July Martyrs Memorial Foundation to provide support to the families of the martyrs and the injured. However, significant criticism has been directed at the slow progress and bureaucratic hurdles in implementing its initiatives.

Bithi, the wife of martyr Hafizur Rahman who was killed during the student uprising, informed Prothom Alo that her husband had been driver. They have two daughters, aged eight and three. The elder daughter was previously enrolled in a school, but due to financial constraints following Hafizur Rahman’s death, she had to transfer her to a madrasah. She now has no one to support her family.

Meanwhile, Saidur Rahman Khan, the grandfather of Shahriar Khan Anas, who was martyred on 5 August in Chankharpul, stated, “This government is our government, yet it has completely ignored our plight.”

Three months ago, the individuals injured in the July uprising staged a protest demanding medical treatment. At that time, several advisers assured them of action. While the government did take some steps to address their medical needs, the fact that many injured individuals are still not receiving proper treatment is evident from their continued protests on the streets. The government’s indifference toward the families of the martyrs and the injured is unacceptable.

Even six months after the movement, the government has yet to compile a complete list of martyrs or ensure medical treatment for all injured individuals. Does the government have an explanation for this delay? Why must the affected people repeatedly take to the streets to demand their rights?

We expect the government to immediately accept the legitimate demands of the martyrs’ family and arrange advanced medical treatment for the injured. The families of the martyrs have also called for the swift prosecution of those responsible for the killings. While the government may cite legal procedures in this regard, can it provide any justification for its failure to support the martyrs’ families or ensure proper treatment for the injured?​