After the interim government was formed through the sacrifice of much blood in the July mass uprising, we had anticipated that those in power would no longer care about the martyrs and the injured. The families of the martyrs would receive nothing. No one would turn to the wounded anymore. In reality, our assumption has proven to be true.
Within six months of the movement, the neglected people are being forced to take to the streets. They are having to resort to hunger strikes to make their demands heard. Yet, those who lost their invaluable lives and limbs in the struggle that brought this interim government to power should have been the highest priority. So much is happening in the country! So many statuses are changing hands. So many people are receiving benefits! Even retirees are being brought back and given jobs with double salaries. But the frontline victims of direct oppression, who were instrumental in changing the power structure, are receiving nothing. What an astonishing reality!
In this country, almost everyone in power completely forgets the brave souls who changed the system. They recognize no one beyond themselves. Their only concern is securing their own benefits and extending their tenure in power. They seem incapable of thinking about anything else. Perhaps this is the eternal curse embedded in our Bengali blood.
Today's report in Prothom Alo states that family members of those martyred in the July-August mass uprising have expressed their anger, accusing the interim government of neglect. They claim that many families are living in inhumane conditions, and the government has taken no initiative for their rehabilitation. Even the perpetrators of the killings have not been arrested, and there has been no visible progress in ensuring justice. The martyrs have yet to receive state recognition. They have warned that if these demands are not met promptly, they will take to the streets with strict protest programs.
At a press conference held yesterday in front of the National Press Club, members of the martyrs' families made these statements. They declared that if the government does not meet with them by February 3 to address their demands, they will announce a sit-in and hunger strike on the streets. This announcement will be made on February 4. The press conference was titled: “Immediate Arrest and Trial of the Perpetrators of Every Killing, Ensuring Justice for the Martyrs' Families.”
Yet, the very people whose sacrifices dismantled the mafia politics, whose blood supposedly ushered in a "New Bangladesh," were promised various programs and funding. Allocations were announced. And now, within just six months, everything has fallen silent. Humanity has been put on hold, and dirty politics has once again taken center stage. When will hegemony and despotism finally disappear from this country? When will the masses reclaim their long-lost rights?
We demand to know—where has the money of the July Foundation gone? Why must those who endured ruthless oppression take to the streets again with tears in their eyes? Why must they cry? Why must their suffering never end?
You, who are enjoying the highest state privileges, securing powerful positions, strengthening your financial standing, getting tax waivers as per your wishes, escaping legal charges, riding in luxurious cars, receiving state protocols, celebrating weddings in extravagant parks, forming new parties to monopolize power, and accepting the title of "National Leader"—do you feel no shame when you see these helpless, oppressed people taking to the streets in desperation? Do you not feel any responsibility?
We, on the other hand, are dying inside. Why should it be this way? Have you ever felt the impact of a bullet on your body? Or even the gentle touch of a flower? No! You have felt nothing. Martyrs like Abu Sayeed and Mir Mughdo sacrificed their lives without hesitation, handing you a golden spoon. Now, go ahead—enjoy your luxurious life and travel the world with that golden spoon in your mouth.
Writer: Journalist
February 2, 2025