Govt prepares welfare, rehabilitation policy for July uprising victims 

The government will provide a lifetime monthly allowance and one-time financial aid to students and civilians who lost limbs, became blind, or suffered severe mental instability due to attacks by law enforcement agencies or Awami League members during the July uprising.

In this regard, the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs has drafted the "July Uprising 2024 Martyrs' Family Members' Welfare and Treatment and Rehabilitation of Injure Policy 2025". 

According to ministry sources, the draft will be finalised today through an inter-ministerial meeting chaired by Liberation War Affairs Adviser Farooq-e-Azam.

Those who lost an arm or a leg, became partially blind, suffered serious brain injuries, or sustained similar injuries during the uprising will be granted one-time financial assistance, lifelong free medical treatment, and free higher education. 

The government will also arrange suitable employment or rehabilitation based on their educational qualifications, physical condition, and social status.

According to the draft policy, those who were martyred or died during treatment due to attacks by law enforcement agencies or political organisations during the uprising from 16 July to 15 August, and their legal heirs, as well as those seriously injured or permanently disabled in the uprising, will be entitled to rehabilitation or financial assistance.

Lifelong medical care, rehabilitation

Students and civilians still undergoing treatment will receive free medical care for life, and the government will provide employment and rehabilitation support. 

Similarly, those with partial hearing or vision loss or other injuries who are able to perform normal activities will also receive lifelong free medical treatment and access to higher education.

The draft also specifies that the families of martyrs will receive a one-time financial grant. 

Martyrs' children will receive free educational assistance, and if the sole breadwinner is martyred, the family will receive monthly financial support. However, the heirs of any martyr may opt for a lump sum payment instead of the monthly allowance.

Determining financial assistance 

The amount of financial assistance for the families of martyrs will be determined based on the martyr's socio-economic status, age, and the family's dependence on them. 

Similarly, financial assistance for injured individuals will be based on their socio-economic status, age, and family dependence.

For those permanently disabled, the government will ensure physical and mental health care.  Monthly allowances will be provided through district or upazila administrations, and medical assistance will be provided through government hospitals.

Liberation War Affairs Adviser Farooq-e-Azam told reporters at the secretariat on Sunday that the government is considering lifelong medical treatment and other allowances for the injured.

"The Ministry of Finance has already allocated Tk232 crore to assist the families of martyrs and the injured. This fiscal year, the government will purchase Tk10 lakh worth of savings certificates for each martyr's family and provide various categories of support for the injured," he added.

Farooq-e-Azam further mentioned that a new directorate will be established to manage the support and rehabilitation of martyrs and the injured of the July uprising. 

"This directorate will provide various forms of assistance in accordance with the policy," he said.