Prime Minister Tarique Rahman today pledged that his government would make its utmost efforts to fulfil the aspirations of those who sacrificed their lives or suffered injuries in struggles for independence, democracy and people’s rights.
“Despite various practical realities, we will make our utmost efforts to fulfil the aspirations of those who sacrificed their lives in 1971, those who were killed or suffered in different movements to establish democracy since independence, and those who were killed or injured in the July uprising,” he said.
Tarique Rahman was speaking at a programme at Karabi Hall of the Prime Minister’s Office in Tejgaon to hand over job appointment letters to members of families affected by enforced disappearances and killings and the July Uprising.
He said the government would not retreat from its commitment despite difficulties in meeting all expectations within the desired timeframe.
“But we will not retreat from this path, In Shaa Allah,” Tarique said.
He said some might view the government’s support for affected families as assistance, but he saw it differently.
“It is because we have the support and cooperation of these people and their families that the government is working with full commitment, enthusiasm and determination to fulfil the aspirations of those who sacrificed their lives,” the prime minister said.
“You are our source of inspiration, encouragement and strength,” he told the families.
Tarique said the government would continue to seek their support and fulfil their hopes and expectations as long as the people entrusted it with running the country.
‘We were, are and will remain with you’
Tarique said the government would try to stand beside individuals and families, regardless of their political affiliation or background, who contributed to the restoration of democracy.
“Whatever limitations we may have, we will continue trying to stand beside these people and their families,” he said.
Recognising that the families’ losses could never be fully compensated, the prime minister said, “We were with you, we are with you and, In Shaa Allah, we will remain with you.”
He urged the families to support and encourage the government so it could work to fulfil the aspirations of the martyrs and those who fought for democracy.
‘20 crore people freed from fascist rule’
Recalling the July Uprising, Tarique said the programme was emotional as it brought together families of people who should have been present but were no longer among them.
“The 20 crore people of Bangladesh have been freed from a fascist situation through the circumstances that led to their absence,” he said.
Tarique prayed for those who remain missing, saying only Allah knows where they are and in what condition.
“Naturally, seeing you before me today makes me emotional,” he said.
74 receive appointment letters
A total of 74 people received appointment letters, including family members of victims of enforced disappearance and killing, injured fighters and family members of those killed during the July Uprising.
The prime minister handed letters to 10 of them and spoke with them individually.
Recipients included Ishfaq Ahmed, brother of enforced disappearance victim Iftekhar Ahmed Dinar; Shammi Sultana, wife of Khaled Hossain Sohel; visually impaired July fighter Alal Ahmed; Momtaz Hossain, father of martyred Anvir; Jartaj Parvin, mother of martyred Ahnaf; and July fighter Kazi Saimum Siraj.
The recipients expressed gratitude to the PM and demanded justice for those involved in enforced disappearances and killings.
The programme was conducted by Prime Minister’s Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Rumon.
Cabinet Secretary Nasimul Gani, Prime Minister’s Principal Secretary ABM Abdus Sattar, Press Secretary Saleh Shibly, Deputy Press Secretaries Zahidul Islam Rony, Hasan Shiplu, Suzauddaula and Shahadat Shadhin, Assistant Press Secretaries AKM Nazmul Haque, Shahriar Pamir and Moksedul Momin Mithun of Amra BNP Poribar, among others, were present.
