Govt Committed to Fulfilling Aspirations of Democratic Movement Martyrs: PM
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has said his government is committed to fulfilling the aspirations of the martyrs of the 1971 Liberation war, victims of enforced disappearances and killings, and those who were killed or injured during the July Movement. He made the remarks at a programme held at the Prime Minister’s Office in Tejgaon on Saturday to provide jobs to family members of victims of disappearances and killings and martyrs of the July Movement. “We will try our best to fulfill the aspirations of the martyred freedom fighters in 1971, the aspirations of those who have been lost or harmed in various ways, martyred in the process of establishing democracy at various times since the country’s independence, and the aspirations of those who have been martyred or harmed in various ways in the recent July Movement – this government is determined to fulfill those aspirations.” He said.
A total of 74 family members received appointment letters for jobs in different organisations. The Prime Minister handed letters to 10 beneficiaries and spoke to them about their families. ‘We are by your side, we will be’ The Prime Minister said the government would continue to support families who had sacrificed for democracy, regardless of political affiliation. “The irreparable loss I have caused you may not be able to be compensated in any way. Still, I will say this much: from our position, we were with you, are with you, and God willing, we will be.”
He also sought their cooperation and support so that the government could work to fulfil the aspirations of those who sacrificed their lives and endured harm for democracy and the country. Referring to the July Movement, PM Tarique Rahman said the event was also a painful reminder of those who should have been present but were absent. “Today’s event brings some pain to us. Because we are remembering so many people in this event who should have been here today, but are not with us.”
He said the government’s first task would be to find those who remain missing and urged people to pray for their safety. He said, “Today, the family members of those people are here. Naturally, I am also feeling a little emotional seeing them in front of you.” He said the sacrifices made by the martyrs and those who suffered during the country’s democratic struggles must be honoured by fulfilling their aspirations. Family members of July victims and disappearance victims, including Ishfaq Ahmed, Shammi Sultana, Alal Ahmed, Shaheed Anvir’s father Momtaz Hossain, Shaheed Ahnaf’s mother Zartaz Parveen and July fighter Kazi Saimum Siraj, expressed gratitude for the appointments. They also demanded justice for those responsible for enforced disappearances.
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has said the government is committed to fulfilling the expectations and aspirations of those who were killed, injured or victimised during the country’s democratic movements. He made the remarks at a programme held at the Karbi Hall of the Prime Minister’s Office in Tejgaon on Saturday. The event was organised to hand over job appointment letters to 74 members of families affected by enforced disappearances and killings, as well as victims and martyrs of the July mass uprising.
The Prime Minister said the government would continue to support the affected families despite its limited resources. “It is not possible to compensate for the irreparable loss you have suffered. Still, we were with you, are with you and will be with you in the future,” he said. Calling the programme emotional, PM Tarique Rahman said many people who should have been present were no longer alive or remained missing. He said, “Only Allah, the Almighty, knows where and in what condition those who are absent from us today are. We should raise our hands and pray for them in the court of Allah so that Allah keeps those people in the best possible condition.”
Referring to sacrifices made during the Liberation War in 1971, subsequent democratic struggles and the July Movement, he said, “This government is determined to implement the goals and aspirations of the heroic freedom fighters of 1971, the individuals who were subjected to disappearances, murders and torture at various times to restore democracy in the country, and the martyrs and victims of the July Movement. Maybe, due to various realities, everything is not possible quickly at times, but we will continue to try our best.”
The Prime Minister handed appointment letters to several recipients, including Alal Ahmed, a visually impaired fighter injured in the July uprising; Md Abul Hossain, father of Shaheed Alvi; Zartaz Parveen, mother of Shaheed Ahnaf; injured July fighter Kazi Saimum Siraj; and Mahbub Alam, brother of Israfil Islam.
Ishfaq Ahmed, Shammi Sultana, Alal Ahmed, Momtaz Hossain, Zartaz Parveen and Kazi Saimum Siraj expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister. They also demanded justice for those responsible for disappearances and killings. The programme was conducted by Prime Minister’s Additional Press Secretary Atiqur Rahman Rumon. Cabinet Secretary Nasimul Gani, Prime Minister’s Principal Secretary ABM Abdus Sattar, Press Secretary Saleh Shibli, Deputy Press Secretaries Zahidul Islam Rony, Hasan Shiplu, Sujauddaula and Shahadat Swadhin, Assistant Press Secretaries AKM Nazmul Haque and Shahriar Pamir, and BNP family member Mokchedul Momin Mithun were present.
