Prof Muhammad Yunus has completed eight months in office as the chief adviser of the interim government. During this period, Bangladesh has navigated through various crises and opportunities. Following the long Eid holidays, the nation has returned to its usual rhythm. This Eid marked the celebration of second independence in a peaceful and joyous environment. Prices of essential commodities remained stable, travel was smooth and people reconnected with their loved ones, strengthening familial and community bonds. The overall law-and-order situation remained under control, with no major incidents reported. For many, it was the first truly free and independent Eid celebration in years, thanks to the efforts of Chief Adviser Prof Yunus and his advisory council, who ensured a joyful atmosphere for all.
However, behind this festive joy lies a silent sorrow for some. For the families of those who were martyred in the July uprising, Eid brought pain, not celebration. Their loved ones, once the pillars of their families, are now gone. For them, Eid was a time of mourning, not festivity. The loss is irreparable and for these families, the future appears bleak and uncertain.
Take, for instance, the story of Abu Sayed, an Honours student of the Department of English at Begum Rokeya University, Rangpur and a symbol of the July uprising. He was expected to support his ageing parents after graduation but instead laid down his life for the country.
Faruk, from Chattogram, worked at a small chair shop in Sholoshahar and was his family’s sole breadwinner. He too became a martyr. His family’s journey is now clouded in darkness.
Siam, who worked at a mobile battery shop in Dhaka, gave up his life for the nation, leaving his family in despair, their dreams shattered.
There are many such families, all facing similar struggles -- grieving their loss and fighting for survival in the absence of their primary earners.
Chief Adviser Prof Yunus has shown special care for these families. He established the July Memorial Foundation and allocated Tk960 million for the families before Eid.
But no financial assistance can erase the pain of loss.
While the support is appreciated, it is neither enough to secure their futures nor ensure long-term stability. Many of the martyrs were young men of great potential -- labourers, rickshaw pullers and daily wage earners -- who were the sole support for their families.
Many of the families receiving some aid know it is only enough to meet basic needs. There is no sustainable source of income or capital for future security. This is true for over a thousand families who are now caught in a cycle of financial uncertainty. Though they are currently supported, history tells us such aid often dwindles with time, and the nation tends to forget. What happens then?
Dear chief adviser, while your government will eventually transfer power through a democratic election, who will guarantee continued care for these families? Past experiences show that succeeding governments may neglect these responsibilities. That is why it falls on you, not just as a leader, but as someone who owes his position to the sacrifices of these martyrs, to ensure their secure future right now.
These families should be our top national priority. The peace, freedom, and hope we now enjoy are built on the sacrifice of the July martyrs. They gave us the chance to rebuild a democratic Bangladesh. It is the duty of every citizen, not just the government, to protect and uplift their families.
The private sector, which plays a crucial role in our economy, has not yet been mobilised in this effort. If the government reaches out, entrepreneurs, industrialists, and business leaders will surely respond. Together, a strong support fund can be established.
The government has already begun compiling a list of martyrs’ families. Alongside immediate aid, a more sustainable approach could involve setting up a fixed deposit of at least Tk10 million for each family. The principal would remain untouched, but families could receive monthly interest for living expenses. This would offer long-term stability and restore dignity, ensuring they are never dependent on others.
Respecting martyrs is not just about remembering their names – it is about securing their families’ futures. If we fail to do so, we risk being judged by history. We urge you, Prof Yunus, to immediately establish a verified, comprehensive list of martyrs’ families and arrange permanent financial security for each. If government resources fall short, call upon the private sector to step forward. Time and again, they have answered the call in times of national need.
Let us never forget that the freedom we now enjoy -- the ability to speak, move, and think freely -- is a direct result of the sacrifices made by the July martyrs. Ensuring the well-being of their families is our collective responsibility, and the first step toward that is to secure their financial future permanently.
We trust in your compassion and leadership, Prof Yunus. The families of the martyrs look to you with hope. Taking care of them will be your greatest legacy.
Courtesy: The Daily Sun
Bd-Pratidin English/ AM
