July martyrs’ families become emotional getting PM at side

Every July, old wounds emerge for the families who lost sons, brothers and loved ones in the 2024 Mass Uprising. Two years after the movement that toppled fascist Sheikh Hasina’s 16-year-long regime, their grief remains as fresh as ever, and so does their single, unwavering demand for justice. 

At the July National Conference held at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Center in Agargaon here today, family members of the July martyrs and injured fighters stood before Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and turned a commemorative gathering into an emotional testimony of pain, sacrifice and hope. 

Jatiya Sangsad Chief Whip Nurul Islam Moni chaired the event, which was attended by government ministers, ambassadors and high commissioners from various countries, senior military and civil officials, and leaders from different professions.

Jointly organized by the July ‍‍`24 Martyrs‍‍` Families Society and the Central Executive Committee of Amra July Joddha (We Are July Fighters), the conference echoed with stories of lives forever changed. Tears flowed freely as parents, siblings and survivors recounted the moments that shattered their families and appealed for justice for those killed during the July Mass Uprising.

For Abdul Rob Mia, father of martyred Miraj Hossain, the arrival of July no longer marks the passage of time-it marks the return of unbearable memories. 

"Every July brings back unbearable pain," he said through tears. "On August 5, police of the fascist Hasina government riddled my son‍‍`s chest with bullets. I am a helpless father seeking justice for this crime and for every July fighter who was killed."

His grief was shared by Shafiul Alam, the father of martyred Wasim from Chattogram, who said losing his son had left an emptiness that could never be filled.

"I have lost my son. No other parent should have to endure such loss," he said. While demanding justice, he also appealed to the government to stand beside those who survived the movement with permanent disabilities. "I urge the government to support the July fighters who lost their limbs so they do not suffer in hardship," he said.

Abu Hossain, brother of Abu Sayeed, spoke not only of his own family‍‍`s loss but also of the struggles facing countless others.

"My brother sacrificed his life fighting against the fascist government," he said, adding, "Inspired by him, many others also gave their lives or were permanently disabled. Many martyr families lost their sole breadwinner and are living in extreme hardship."

He urged the government to support those families, ensure swift justice for his brother‍‍`s murder, and preserve the memories of the July fighters across the country.