Honouring and Rehabilitating the July Martyrs and Injured Is the Government's Sacred Responsibility: Tarique Rahman

Photo: Collected

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has said that ensuring proper recognition and rehabilitation for those killed and injured during the July mass uprising is the government's sacred responsibility. He also pledged that those responsible for the killings would be brought to justice under Bangladesh's legal system.

He made the remarks on Saturday while addressing the July National Conference, held at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Center in Agargaon to commemorate those who lost their lives during the uprising.

Paying tribute to the victims, the Prime Minister said the government is committed to preserving the legacy of the July martyrs and recognizing the contributions of those who were injured. He said efforts are underway to ensure the highest level of respect, recognition, rehabilitation, and support for the victims and their families.

Reaffirming his commitment to justice, Tarique Rahman said the state would do everything possible to honor the sacrifices of the victims while ensuring that those responsible for the killings are tried under the country's laws.

At the same time, he stressed that justice must not lead to injustice. He said the legal process should be followed carefully, even if it requires additional time, to ensure that the guilty receive fair and lawful punishment.

Reflecting personally on the issue, the Prime Minister said he had found himself thinking about what his late mother would advise if asked whether he should seek revenge for the injustices committed against her. He said he believes she would have urged him to unite the nation and move the country forward rather than pursue vengeance. He added that his late brother would likely have given him the same advice.

Addressing the families of the victims, Tarique Rahman acknowledged the pain of those who witnessed their loved ones being shot or burned to death. He said he could understand, at least to some extent, the physical and emotional suffering they continue to endure.

He also said that many thousands of people had suffered physical and mental persecution during the period of authoritarian rule and throughout the July movement, adding that he too continues to bear both physical and emotional scars from that period.

The discussion, chaired by Chief Whip of Parliament Nurul Islam Moni, was attended by Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed, Law Minister Md. Asaduzzaman, Housing Minister Zakaria Taher, Liberation War Affairs Minister Ahmed Azam Khan, State Minister Ishraq Hossain, Additional Press Secretary to the Prime Minister Atikur Rahman Ruman, and representatives of several political, student, and civil society organizations, as well as members of families of those killed during the July uprising.