Govt drafts ordinance on financial aid for July uprising victims

The government has drafted a new ordinance to bring financial assistance for the July uprising victims under a legal framework.

The draft ordinance – Welfare and Rehabilitation Ordinance-2025 for the Families of Martyrs and Injured Students and Public in the July Mass Uprising – was reviewed on Sunday (4 May) by an inter-ministerial committee under the Cabinet Division and is expected to be presented to the Advisory Council for final approval soon.

A senior official of the ministry's July Uprising Department, requesting anonymity, told TBS that the ordinance aims to ensure legal coverage for financial support, medical treatment – both at home and abroad – and the rehabilitation of those injured in the movement.

Financial support

According to the draft, families of those killed will receive financial aid, while the injured will be compensated based on the severity of their injuries. Provisions also include purchasing savings certificates for victims and providing monthly allowances. Foreign medical treatment may be arranged when necessary.

"Initially, support was planned under a policy framework, but it was later decided that legal backing was necessary to institutionalise these benefits. The ordinance ensures that future governments cannot revoke this support," said the official.

Another ministry official added, "Rehabilitation may be handled through the youth development, social services, and women's affairs departments, with a final decision to be made at an inter-ministerial meeting." 

"Savings bonds are currently being distributed, with monthly allowances expected to begin in July. The ordinance does not include job preference, but the government may issue separate employment guidelines."

Recognition, rehabilitation

According to a 15 January gazette by the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs, 834 people were officially recognised as martyrs of the July uprising. However, the July Shaheed Smrity Foundation claims 25 names were left out.

Citing Health Services Division data, officials said the injured have been classified into three categories: 493 in Class A (severely injured), 908 in Class B, and 9,925 in Class C. The government is already providing them with medical care and financial assistance.

To preserve the legacy of the uprising, rehabilitate affected families, and institutionalise its ideals, the government has also established a dedicated July Uprising Department, officially gazetted on 12 April. The department will oversee the distribution of all related financial and support measures.