The families of martyrs from the coup will receive Tk 5 lakh, while the injured will receive up to Tk 1 lakh. This financial assistance will be provided by the ‘July Shaheed Smriti Foundation’ to support the families of the martyrs and those injured during the student-led mass uprising.
This decision was made today, Wednesday, at the foundation’s first executive committee meeting, presided over by Dr. Muhammad Yunus, President and Chief Adviser of the foundation. The press release from the Chief Adviser’s Press Wing confirmed the news. Additionally, it was announced that the Ministry of Health will cover the medical expenses of the injured.
On the previous day, Tuesday, the interim government granted Tk 100 crore to the ‘July Shaheed Smriti Foundation’ from the Chief Adviser’s Relief and Welfare Fund. At a press conference in Dhaka, the foundation’s office secretary and the interim government’s Information and Broadcasting Adviser, Dr. Nahid Islam, explained that one-time and monthly financial assistance will be provided to the families of the martyrs and the injured through the foundation. Emergency financial aid will also be available depending on the extent of the damage.
During today’s meeting, it was decided that the injured will receive their financial assistance as soon as possible, and a ceremony will be held in the capital to hand over checks to the families of the martyrs.
A memorial meeting is also being planned by the government, to be held in Dhaka once the list of martyrs is finalized. An initial list indicates that around 800 people were martyred, and over 20,000 were injured, according to the Ministry of Health’s committee. The families of the martyrs are currently being contacted, and a memorial service will be organized once everyone is reached.
The executive committee has called for donations to the foundation from the public, expatriates, organizations, and businesses. They also decided to establish an office for the foundation, to be operated by volunteers. The foundation will preserve videos, photos, oral histories, and other memorabilia of the uprising.
Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus stated, “This foundation is a significant milestone, and we must work hard to ensure its success.” He added that even small donations will be acknowledged, and the names of donors will be recorded and, if possible, published on the foundation’s website.
Also present at the meeting were Information and Broadcasting Adviser Nahid Islam, Youth and Sports Adviser Asif Mahmud Sajeeb Bhuiyan, Social Welfare Adviser Sharmin S. Murshid, Foundation General Secretary Mir Mahbubur Rahman (Snigdha), and Treasurer Kazi Waqar Ahmed.
