Mirza Fakhrul to seek allowances for families of disappeared

Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Sunday said he would write to the Prime Minister requesting the introduction of government allowances for the families and children of people who were forcibly disappeared.

Speaking at a programme in the capital, Mirza Fakhrul said many families of the disappeared are struggling to survive and raise their children with dignity.

“A letter will be sent to the Prime Minister urging the government to introduce allowances for the families and children of the disappeared persons,” he said, adding that no effective initiative has yet been taken to support these families.

He made the remarks while addressing the inaugural ceremony of the production of a documentary titled “Mayer Dak” at the Bangladesh Film Archive auditorium in Agargaon, marking International Women’s Day.

Mirza Fakhrul said the children of many disappeared individuals are growing up in difficult circumstances after losing their fathers.

He stressed that both the state and society should take responsibility to ensure their education, survival and a better future.

He noted that while many people have assumed important positions in the country following political changes, the families of those who sacrificed during the struggle are still facing uncertainty.

“The first responsibility now is to ensure that these families can survive with dignity, educate their children and rebuild their lives,” he said.

Referring to the role of activist Sanzida Islam Tuli, Fakhrul praised her efforts in highlighting the issue of enforced disappearances and raising awareness internationally during difficult times.

Welcoming the initiative to produce the documentary “Mayer Dak,” he said the film should properly portray the struggles, sacrifices and the history of the country’s democratic movement.

The minister also said that although Bangladesh has witnessed several historic movements, including the Language Movement, comparatively few high-quality literary and artistic works have been produced on those struggles.

He expressed hope that new initiatives documenting recent movements and sacrifices would reach international standards and help present Bangladesh’s history of struggle to the global audience.