Staff Correspondent

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Saturday pledged that his government would make its utmost efforts to fulfil the aspirations of those who sacrificed their lives or suffered injuries in the struggles for independence, democracy and people’s rights.

“Despite various practical realities, we will make our utmost efforts to fulfil the aspirations of those who sacrificed their lives in 1971, those who were killed or suffered in different movements to establish democracy since independence, and those who were killed or injured in the July uprising,” he said.

The Prime Minister was speaking at a programme held at the Karabi Hall of the Prime Minister’s Office in Tejgaon to hand over job appointment letters to members of families affected by enforced disappearances and killings and the July uprising.

He said the government would not retreat from its commitment despite the difficulties involved in implementing all expectations within the desired timeframe.

“But we will not retreat from this path, InshaAllah,” Tarique said.

He said some might view the government’s support for the affected families as an act of assistance, but he saw it differently.

“It is because we have the support and cooperation of these people and their families that the government is working with full commitment, enthusiasm and determination to fulfil the aspirations of those who sacrificed their lives,” the Prime Minister said.

“You are our source of inspiration, encouragement and strength,” he told the families.

The Prime Minister said the government would continue to seek their support and fulfil their hopes and expectations as long as the people entrusted it with the responsibility of running the country.

‘We were, are and will remain with you’

Tarique said the government would try to stand beside individuals and families, irrespective of their political affiliation or background, who had contributed to the restoration of democracy.

“Whatever limitations we may have, we will continue trying to stand beside these people and their families,” he said.

Recognising that the losses suffered by the families could never be fully compensated, the Prime Minister said, “We were with you, we are with you and, InshaAllah, we will remain with you.”

He urged the families to support and encourage the government so that it could work to fulfil the aspirations of the martyrs and all those who fought for democracy.

‘20 crore people freed from fascist rule’

Recalling the July uprising, Tarique said the programme was an emotional one as it brought together families of people who should have been present but were no longer among them.

“The 20 crore people of Bangladesh have been freed from a fascist situation through the circumstances that led to their absence,” he said.

Tarique prayed for those who remain missing, saying only Allah knows where they are and in what condition.

The Prime Minister also became emotional while addressing the family members of the victims.

“Naturally, seeing you before me today makes me emotional,” he said.

Tarique said the sacrifices made by the families and their loved ones were for the country and its people, and the government would make its utmost efforts to realise the goals for which they had made those sacrifices.

74 receive appointment letters

A total of 74 people received appointment letters at the programme. They included family members of victims of enforced disappearance and killing, injured fighters and family members of those killed during the July uprising.

The Prime Minister handed over appointment letters to 10 of them and spoke with them individually, enquiring about their well-being.

Among those receiving the letters were Ishfaq Ahmed, brother of enforced disappearance victim Iftekhar Ahmed Dinar; Shammi Sultana, wife of Khaled Hossain Sohel; visually impaired July uprising fighter Alal Ahmed; Momtaz Hossain, father of martyred Anvir; Jartaj Parvin, mother of martyred Ahnaf; and July fighter Kazi Saimum Siraj.

The recipients expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister and demanded justice for those involved in enforced disappearances and killings.

The programme was conducted by Prime Minister’s Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Rumon.

Cabinet Secretary Nasimul Gani, Prime Minister’s Principal Secretary ABM Abdus Sattar, Press Secretary Saleh Shibly, Deputy Press Secretaries Zahidul Islam Rony, Hasan Shiplu, Suzauddaula, Shahadat Shadhin, Assistant Press Secretaries AKM Nazmul Haque, Shahriar Pamir and Moksedul Momin Mithun of Amra BNP Poribar, among others, were present.