Prime Minister Tareque Rahman has said the current government is fully committed to fulfilling the expectations and aspirations of the martyrs and victims of the country’s democratic movement.
Offering firm assurance that the government stands with the families of those subjected to enforced disappearance and killing, and with the injured and martyred families of the July mass uprising, the prime minister said: “Even with our limited resources, we will do our utmost to stand by you. The irreparable loss you have suffered can never truly be compensated. Even so, we have been with you, we are with you, and we will remain with you in the future.”
The prime minister made the remarks Saturday afternoon at an event held at Karobi Hall in the Prime Minister’s Office in Tejgaon. The event was organized to formally hand appointment letters to 74 members of families affected by enforced disappearance and killing, and families of those injured or martyred in the July mass uprising.
Speaking with emotion, the prime minister said: “Today’s event is extremely painful for us. We are remembering people who should have been among us today. But sadly, they are not. It is in exchange for their great sacrifice that 200 million people of this country have today been freed from fascist rule.”
The prime minister said: “Only Allah knows where those who are absent from among us today are, and in what condition. We should raise our hands and pray to Allah for them, so that Allah keeps them in the best possible state.”
Referring to those who gave their lives in the Liberation War of 1971 and in the democratic struggles of various periods since independence, up to the most recent July mass uprising, the head of government said: “The 1971 freedom fighters, those who were subjected to enforced disappearance, killing and torture at various times in the struggle to restore democracy, and the martyrs and victims of the July movement — this government is determined to fulfill the goals and aspirations they held. Perhaps various realities sometimes mean everything cannot happen quickly, but we will continue to make our utmost effort.”
The prime minister said: “Naturally, many who made great sacrifices in pursuit of a greater goal are no longer among us today. To those who are, I would say: you made the ultimate sacrifice for the people of this country. You have suffered in various ways. This government will try its utmost to fulfill the goals and objectives for which you risked your lives.”
Describing the sacrifice of the country’s campaigners as the government’s core inspiration, the prime minister said: “Some may say the government has stood by these families. But I would say — it is because of your sacrifice, support and cooperation that the government finds the courage to work at full strength. You are the primary source of our strength and inspiration.”
Addressing the martyrs’ families, the prime minister said: “We also want your cooperation. Give us your encouragement, so that we can work to fulfill the expectations that the martyrs and all the self-sacrificing fighters for democracy held for the nation. May we have your full support.”
Members of families affected by enforced disappearance and killing, and of families of those martyred and injured in the July mass uprising, spoke at the event, sharing their feelings with the prime minister.
Those present included cabinet secretary Nasimul Gani, the prime minister’s principal secretary A B M Abdus Sattar, the prime minister’s press secretary Saleh Shibli, deputy press secretaries Zahidul Islam Rony, Hasan Shiplu, Sujauddoula and Shahadat Swadhin, assistant press secretaries A K M Nazmul Haque and Shahriar Pamir, and Moksedul Momin Mithun of Amra BNP.