Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has pledged continued government support for the families of those killed and injured during the July uprising, promising recognition, rehabilitation and fair justice while urging the country to remain united.
Speaking at the July National Conference at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre in Agargaon on Friday, the prime minister said, "Preserving the legacy of those who lost their lives and improving the lives of survivors remained a priority for his administration.”
He also said, "The government was working to ensure that the families of those recognised as martyrs, as well as those injured during the protests, received respect, proper recognition, improved living conditions, rehabilitation and other necessary assistance.”
During his address, Tarique Rahman reflected on the hardships faced by his family and referred to his late mother, former prime minister and BNP chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia.
He mentioned that he had often considered what advice she might have offered if asked whether he should seek revenge for the treatment she endured.
According to the prime minister, she would have encouraged him to focus on bringing people together and leading the country forward rather than pursuing retaliation.
He added that he believed his late brother would have shared the same view.
Reaffirming his government’s commitment to accountability, the PM also said, "Those responsible for killings during the July uprising would face trial in Bangladesh. However, he stressed that the judicial process must remain fair and impartial.”
He added, "Justice should never create further injustice, and, even if legal proceedings required more time, they must ensure that those found guilty were tried properly and in accordance with the law.”
The prime minister also added that the protests had been driven by hopes of securing a better future for the country.
He described the events culminating on 5 August as a collective national achievement rather than the success of any individual or political organisation.
Addressing relatives of those who died and people injured during the unrest, he acknowledged that the pain of losing loved ones or suffering life-changing injuries could never be fully repaired.
Nevertheless, he said, their sacrifices would gain lasting meaning if they helped build a stronger and more prosperous Bangladesh.
He appealed for national unity, arguing that sustained progress would only be possible if divisions within the country could be overcome.
The conference was jointly organised by the July ‘24 Martyrs’ Families Society and the Central Executive Committee of Amra July Joddha. Hundreds of relatives of those killed or injured attended, with several sharing personal accounts of their experiences. The event included emotional testimonies from grieving family members.
Held under the slogan “Bangladesh First”, the programme featured prayers for those who died during the uprising, the national anthem and a documentary highlighting the events of the July movement.
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