Ensure prompt disbursement of funds for July victims

We are quite disturbed to see that a street protest had to take place – that too for about fourteen hours – for the injured during the July-August uprising to highlight their grievances regarding treatment, promised compensation and rehabilitation. This is a problem that should not have arisen in the first place. Those who suffered injuries or lost their loved ones during the movement to overthrow a fascist regime deserve our gratitude and sincere cooperation, and not the frustration of having to fight again to gain basic support.

A group of injured protesters reportedly staged a sit-in in front of the National Institute of Traumatology and Orthopedic Rehabilitation (NITOR) after health consultant Nurjahan Begum visited the hospital but apparently met with only a few injuredwhich, among other things, provokes angry reactions. This led to a lengthy road blockade that lasted until early Thursday. The protesters, later joined by patients from the nearby National Institute of Opthalmology & Hospital (NIOH), still bore the scars of the uprising, many wearing bandages or using crutches or wheelchairs. Besides voicing their grievances, they also called for the resignation of the health adviser. Only after the intervention of four government advisers late that evening did they agree to return to their hospitals.

It may be recalled that at least 873 persons lost their lives and 19,931 were injured during the uprising. So far, health authorities have taken several measures to help those affected and their families. Government hospitals are offering free treatment and doctors from abroad have been brought in to treat complex injuries. According to an estimate by the July Shaheed Smriti Foundation, the families of 200 deceased and more than 500 injured have received compensation so far.

This means that even after more than three months, a large number of victims are still waiting for compensation, while some require advanced treatment that is not available in local hospitals. These problems, coupled with concerns about their rehabilitation, have increased frustrations. The delayed release of funds is apparently due to verification issues, as many claimants still required further documentation. However, Sarjis Alam, general secretary of the foundation, stressed that once the verification process is completed, funds could be released to 500 people every day, and everyone would receive their compensation in December. The government also pledged after Wednesday’s protests to develop a framework for the treatment and rehabilitation of the injured, in consultation with the latter, and implement it by December.

We are encouraged to hear that, but we must urge the authorities to ensure that nothing stands in the way of delivering on these promises. July’s victims and their families have already endured unimaginable hardship; it is our duty to ensure that they receive the dignity, care and support they deserve. To meet government deadlines, it is also critical to streamline these processes to reduce the likelihood of bureaucratic delays or obstacles.