Citizens' Committee condemns 'politicisation of July uprising martyrs'

The National Citizens' Committee, a new platform launched by students of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement on 8 September for the country's rebuilding efforts, has condemned what they describe as the politicisation of the July uprising martyrs.

"Attempts are being made to politicise the martyrs of the July revolution. I condemn those politicians who engage in such despicable acts," said Nasir Uddin Patwary, the coordinator of the National Citizens' Committee, during a public rally, marking the two months of Hasina regime's ouster,  in the capital's Shahbagh today.

"Do not do politics with the martyrs," he added.

During the event, which was the first public rally of the committee, the organisation also made multiple demands, including the trial of those responsible for the July massacre, rehabilitation of the families of the martyrs, medical treatment for the injured, improvement in law and order, and control of rising prices.  

"Even though two months have passed since the July uprising, rehabilitation of the families of the martyrs has not been done. The injured are wandering from door to door without receiving proper medical care. We urgently call for ensuring proper medical treatment for them," Patwary said.

Regarding the high prices of commodities, he said syndicates are destabilising the market by metaphorically kicking the common people in the stomach.

Nasir called on the government to dismantle these syndicates quickly.

"There is no security for our lives anymore, as the police force has not yet actively entered the field," he also said regarding the law and order situation.

Regarding the provision of magisterial powers to the military, Patwary said these powers should be transferred to the police and the military immediately returned to their barracks.

He also said the country's education system had come to a standstill after the revolution.

"Students need to be quickly returned to their classes," Nasir said.

Among others, Citizens' Committee member secretary Akhtar Hossain, members Adeeb Arif, Ashraf Mahadi, Pritam Das, and human rights activist Sanjida Islam Tuli attended the rally.

A few of the parents and relatives of the martyrs killed during the July revolution were also in attendance.

Farhan Fayaz's father, Shahidul Islam Bhuiyan, expressed his deep sorrow, stating, "My son went to the peaceful movement. He was shot and martyred. We didn't want justice for the killers. Now under the new government, we have filed the case. But the International Crimes Tribunal is in a bad shape. The search is slow. Whether we will get justice or not, we are sceptical."

Among others, Citizens' Committee member secretary Akhtar Hossain, members Adeeb Arif, Ashraf Mahadi, Pritam Das, and human rights activist Sanjida Islam Tuli attended the rally.