Pvt varsity students, teachers to get state recognition: Ishraque

Students, teachers and officials of private universities will receive state recognition for their contributions to the July mass uprising through a special memorial and honour ceremony on August 15, State Minister for Liberation War Affairs Ishraque Hossain said on Saturday.

He made the announcement while speaking at a press conference organised by the ministry at the Secretariat.
 
“The government will hold a special memorial and honour ceremony in the capital on August 15 to recognise the contributions of private university students, teachers and officials to the July mass uprising,” he said.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman will attend the event as the chief guest, which is scheduled to be held at the Gulshan Youth Club ground in the capital.

Ishraque said July 18, 2024, was a significant turning point in the mass uprising, when various attempts were made to suppress the movement.

However, students, teachers and officials of private universities resisted the efforts in different areas, including Rampura.

He said their sacrifices and contributions had not yet received due state recognition, and the government had taken the initiative to address the issue.

The state minister said family members of private university students who were martyred during the July movement would be honoured at the event. Injured, disabled and visually impaired July fighters would also receive state recognition.

“We want everyone to receive due respect from the state, regardless of who participated in the movement or from what position they contributed. No one’s contribution should be belittled,” he said.

The state minister said representatives from 16 student organisations attended the press conference. They included representatives of political and non-political student bodies such as Chhatra Dal, Chhatra Shibir, Chhatra Shakti, the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, National Student Shakti and Bangladesh Chhatra Union.

He said their participation reflected broader unity in the post-July period.

Ishraque said the upcoming programme would not be limited to a memorial ceremony; discussions would also be held on “the idea of the future of Bangladesh.”

The government wants to hear young people’s views on how to implement the aspirations of the July Movement, he said, adding that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman would listen to their opinions with importance.

Explaining the delay in organising the event, Ishraque said the government’s priority during the recent flood situation was to stand beside affected people, and the programme was postponed on the prime minister’s instructions.

Considering the weather conditions, August 15 was selected as a possible safe date for holding the programme, he added.

Regarding injured July fighters, he said allowances for those listed in the gazette were being sent directly to their bank accounts.

However, some injured July fighters have not yet been included in the gazette for various reasons, including political identity. Separate desks will be opened at the ministry to expedite the processing of their applications.

He said each application would be investigated and those found eligible would be brought under government support for treatment, rehabilitation and other assistance.

“This is not mercy; this is what they deserve,” he said.

He further said the government was giving utmost importance to the treatment, rehabilitation and employment of injured July fighters.

Regarding the July Shaheed Smriti Foundation, the state minister said discussions were underway to coordinate the experience gained by the foundation with the activities of the government’s newly formed July Mass Uprising Directorate.

He expressed hope that such coordination would help provide more effective and integrated services to injured July fighters and the families of martyrs.