M Munir Hossain

It appears the euphoria that followed the ousting of the prolonged and deeply unpopular fascist Awami League regime is fading fast, giving way to disappointment – and for many, a profound sense of betrayal. Sacrifices made by thousands, particularly the young students who bravely took to the streets, paved the way for the current interim government. It was a victory hard-won, purchased with blood and tears. Therefore, one would have reasonably expected that the most pressing responsibility of this new administration would be to address the immense suffering of those who risked everything for change. Yet, six months later, the reality on the ground paints a stark picture of neglect, broken promises and a callous disregard for the very individuals to whom this government owes its existence.

The uprising’s success may have ushered in a new political landscape, but it also left a trail of broken bodies and shattered lives, a debt that remains tragically unpaid. Thousands of protesters, mostly young students full of idealism and hope, now stare at a rather bleak and uncertain future. They bear the physical scars of that moment of courage, in some ways a reminder of the violence that they went through in the pursuit of a better tomorrow. They lost eyes, limbs and other body parts during the struggle, and their lives would never be the same again.

And what was their reward? An apparent lack of sincere efforts made by those in power, a bureaucratic maze designed to frustrate and deter, and a distinct lack of genuine empathy for their plight. These very people regarded as heroes of the movement are now struggling yet to even gain access to proper medical care.

Promises of rehabilitation and financial assistance made soon after the formation of the interim government have so far appeared to be mere rhetoric. Many now are left to fend for themselves, wounds compounding their burden, their futures hanging in the balance.

They do not seek extraordinary treatment but the necessities basic enough to bear the burden of their contribution to a movement for change. They are merely asking the government to honour its own commitment, recognise their sacrifice, and assist them as they desperately need. Is this asking too much?

The emotional scars inflicted upon these individuals and their families remain immeasurable. They gave it all for a better future – a future for a nation free of oppression and injustices. They trusted the promises made by those who are now in power. And now, they feel they are being shoved aside by the same government they helped hold the reins of power. The sense of disillusionment is palpable. They feel betrayed, their hopes dashed against the hard reality of governmental indifference.

This is not just a matter of physical wounds; it is a deep emotional scar that threatens to undermine their faith in the very idea of social change. The frustration is boiling over. Injured protesters have taken to the streets again – not to fight for change this time, but simply to demand the dignity of medical care. Their anger is justified. They see movement leaders, once their comrades in struggle, now comfortably in power, while they themselves are left to fend for themselves.

Besides, frustration among the martyrs’ families continues to grow over the slow progress in trying the perpetrators of the July mass killing. On 6 February 2025, members of the “July 24 Shaheed Family” staged a protest at the capital’s Shahbagh intersection, demanding justice for their loved ones and formal government recognition. Many expressed their anger over the lack of accountability, with Abdur Rab, father of Meheraj who was killed on 5 August 2024, saying that they had been forced to take to the streets as most of the perpetrators remained at large. He accused the interim government of failing to uphold justice despite taking power with the mandate of the people.

A NEW POLICY: PROMISES OF AID AND REHABILITATION

However, in a welcome move, the government has now made a significant step forward – the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs has drafted the “July Uprising 2024 Martyrs’ Family Members’ Welfare and Treatment and Rehabilitation of Injured Policy 2025” detailing a comprehensive support plan for the uprising victims.

According to the draft policy, those who were martyred or died during treatment due to attacks by law enforcement agencies or members of the fascist Awami League and its associate organisations during the uprising from 16 July to 15 August in 2024, and their legal heirs, as well as those seriously injured or permanently disabled in the uprising, will be entitled to rehabilitation or financial assistance.

Students and civilians still undergoing treatment will receive free medical care for life, and the government will provide employment and rehabilitation support. Similarly, those with partial hearing or vision loss or other injuries who are able to perform normal activities will also receive lifelong free medical treatment and access to higher education.

The draft also specifies that the families of martyrs will receive a one-time financial grant. Martyrs’ children will receive free educational assistance, and if the sole breadwinner is martyred, the family will receive monthly financial support. However, the heirs of any martyr may opt for a lump sum payment instead of the monthly allowance.

The amount of financial assistance for the families of martyrs will be determined based on the martyr’s socio-economic status, age and the family’s dependence on them. Similarly, financial assistance for injured individuals will be based on their socio-economic status, age and family dependence.

For those permanently disabled, the government will ensure physical and mental health care. Monthly allowances will be provided through district or upazila administrations, and medical assistance will be provided through government hospitals.

Speaking to the media the other day, Liberation War Affairs Adviser Farooq-e-Azam said that the Ministry of Finance has already allocated Tk232 crore to assist the families of martyrs and the injured. This fiscal year, the government will purchase Tk10 lakh worth of savings certificates for each martyr’s family and provide various categories of support for the injured, he added.

He further mentioned that a new directorate will be established to manage the support and rehabilitation of martyrs and the injured of the July uprising and that the directorate will provide various forms of assistance in accordance with the policy.

While this initiative is a crucial step, its success hinges on effective implementation. Bureaucratic inefficiencies must not delay the promised support. The government has an obligation to uphold its commitment to those who fought for change.

The debt remains, but this move signals a big step towards repaying it.