Who are 'July Fighters'?
They are the individuals, largely students from universities, colleges and even schools, as well as general citizens and workers, who actively protested and fought in the mass uprising.
The term "July Fighters" refers to the participants, primarily students and general civilians, who were involved in the July Uprising that took place in 2024.
They are the individuals, largely students from universities, colleges and even schools, as well as general citizens and workers, who actively protested and fought in the mass uprising.
They were the frontline participants in the widespread anti-government movement that began over a demand for quota reform in government jobs but quickly escalated into a pro-democracy, anti-autocracy mass movement.
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The term fighters acknowledges the significant violence they faced.
Many were killed, who are recognised as July martyrs.
In February, Liberation War Affairs Adviser Faruk E Azam said the martyrs of the uprising will be recognised as July martyrs and the injured as July Fighters.
He added that certificates and identity cards, various government benefits, including lifelong free medical treatment and allowances, will be given to them in recognition of their sacrifice.
According to the latest government data, the total number of injured individuals currently stands at 13,800, BBC Bangla reported in September.
Although the list was prepared after official verification, recent allegations suggest that many people who did not take part in the uprising still remain on the list.
The names of fake July Fighters will be removed from the list, a gazette will be published, and legal action will be taken against them, the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs said in a press release last month.
Notably, the government has issued an ordinance introducing penalties for those who provide false information to unlawfully obtain benefits by claiming to be injured in the July Uprising or relatives of its martyrs.
Under the Welfare and Rehabilitation of Families of Martyrs of the July Uprising and July Fighters Ordinance, 2025, offenders may face up to two years in prison and a fine of Tk2 lakh, or twice the amount of the benefit or financial assistance received, if found guilty.
