DHAKA : Every July, old wounds emerge for the families who lost sons, brothers and loved ones in the 2024 Mass Uprising. Two years after the movement that toppled fascist Sheikh Hasina’s 16-year long regime, their grief remains as fresh as ever, and so does their single, unwavering demand-justice. 

At the July National Conference held at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Center in Agargaon here today, family members of the July martyrs and injured fighters stood before Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and turned a commemorative gathering into an emotional testimony of pain, sacrifice and hope. 

Jatiya Sangsad Chief Whip Nurul Islam Moni chaired the event which was attended by government ministers, ambassadors and high commissioners from various countries, senior military and civil officials, and leaders from different professions.

Jointly organized by the July '24 Martyrs' Families Society and the Central Executive Committee of Amra July Joddha (We Are July Fighters), the conference echoed with stories of lives forever changed. Tears flowed freely as parents, siblings and survivors recounted the moments that shattered their families and appealed for justice for those killed during the July Mass Uprising.

For Abdul Rob Mia, father of martyred Miraj Hossain, the arrival of July no longer marks the passage of time-it marks the return of unbearable memories. 

"Every July brings back unbearable pain," he said through tears. "On August 5, police of the fascist Hasina government riddled my son's chest with bullets. I am a helpless father seeking justice for this crime and for every July fighter who was killed."

His grief was shared by Shafiul Alam, the father of martyred Wasim from Chattogram, who said losing his son had left an emptiness that could never be filled.

"I have lost my son. No other parent should have to endure such loss," he said. While demanding justice, he also appealed to the government to stand beside those who survived the movement with permanent disabilities. "I urge the government to support the July fighters who lost their limbs so they do not suffer in hardship," he said.

Abu Hossain, brother of Abu Sayeed, spoke not only of his own family's loss but also of the struggles facing countless others.

"My brother sacrificed his life fighting against the fascist government," he said, adding "Inspired by him, many others also gave their lives or were permanently disabled. Many martyr families lost their sole breadwinner and are living in extreme hardship."

He urged the government to support those families, ensure swift justice for his brother's murder and preserve the memories of the July fighters across the country.

For Fatematuz Johra, the pain of losing one son was compounded by another tragedy. After her eldest son, Abdullah Bin Jahid, was killed, her younger son was diagnosed with cancer.

"In my desperation, I knocked on every possible door for help but received none," she recalled. "However, every member of Amra BNP Paribar stood by us."

She said Prime Minister Tarique Rahman had enquired about the family from London and extended support.

"Now our only demand from the BNP government is justice for all July martyrs," she said. "I hope other July martyrs' families receive the same support that I did. I can never get my son back, but I ask everyone to pray for him."

Abul Hasan, father of martyred Alvi, said his son was killed in Mirpur on August 4. He opined that the interim government had taken no meaningful initiative to ensure justice during its tenure.

"We protested on the streets demanding justice, yet nothing visible happened," he said. "We waited in hope that Tarique Rahman would return to the country, assume office, and ensure justice for our children's murders. We hope he will honor our tears."

The conference also gave voice to those who survived the uprising but continue to live with its physical and emotional scars.

July fighter Shahin Malu, who lost both legs during the movement, said he had no regret over his sacrifice.

"The Zia family has suffered the most over the past 17 years," he said. "To safeguard this country, people should stand beside Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. If the martyrs' families truly want justice, they should support him. This country is safest under his leadership. I have no regret over losing both my legs; my only wish is to witness justice for the July fighters."

Millat Hossain, another injured July fighter, recounted how he was shot while leading a procession from Naya Paltan to the Press Club demanding the fall of the fascist government.

"I lost a great deal of blood but could not receive treatment at any hospital," he said. "At first, my family was informed that I had died from the gunshot wound. Since then, my father became bedridden due to illness and later passed away," he said.

"We are not only July fighters-we have been fighting for the past 17 years," he added. "I demand justice for every July fighter who was killed."

Sujan Molla, another injured participant in the movement, said he had joined the protests following Tarique Rahman's one-point call from London.

"Because that demand was achieved, the autocratic ruler fled the country," he said. "Today, people, including the families of the July martyrs, can live safely. Yet our regret remains that justice for the slain fighters has not been delivered."

Alamin, who lost one hand during the movement, described the lasting pain of his injuries and his inability to afford treatment.

"I lost one of my hands, and the pain still overwhelms me," he said. "I cannot afford proper treatment. Hundreds of fighters like me lost their limbs during the July uprising. I request the government to ensure proper treatment and rehabilitation for all disabled July fighters."

July fighter Mehedi Hasan Miraj also spoke of what he described as neglect after the uprising.

"One political party exploited the names of the martyrs to enrich itself, and I condemn them," he said. "I was subjected to police torture simply because I supported the BNP. During the interim government, we received no assistance. We were told we were not July fighters but BNP activists, and that the BNP should help us."

Though each family and survivor carried a different story, their voices converged on one message. Two years after the July Mass Uprising changed Bangladesh's political history, they said justice for those who lost their lives remains the deepest hope of the families left behind.

The conference began with recitation from the Holy Quran, followed by prayers for the martyrs. The national anthem was then played, and a documentary on the July movement was screened.

At the beginning of the event, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman presented July Memorial Awards to representatives of the martyrs' families.

Among those receiving the commemorative plaques from the Prime Minister were Rob Mia, father of martyred Miraj; Ujjal Hossain, brother of martyred Selim; injured July fighter Al Miraj; and July fighter Aminul Islam Emon. Organizers later announced that commemorative plaques would also be delivered to all other attendees.

Representatives of the martyrs' families also presented a commemorative plaque to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.

The July of 2024 was one of the bloodiest periods in Bangladesh's history. Student protests that began over demands to abolish and reform quotas in government jobs quickly spread across the country, evolving into an unprecedented nationwide mass movement. 

The protests later transformed into an anti-government mass uprising, culminating in the departure of then-fascist ruler Sheikh Hasina from the country on August 5 after 36 consecutive days of demonstrations.

According to the government's official gazette, 834 people were recognized as martyrs of the July uprising. However, a United Nations investigation into human rights violations estimated that more than 1,400 people may have been killed between July 1 and August 15, 2024.