Rangpur: Social Welfare Advisor Sharmin S Murshid stated at a recent function that one lakh heroic freedom fighters of 1971 did not receive justice during the post-independence period. She highlighted that 90 percent of these fighters were rural boys and girls who returned to their villages without recognition or resources, emphasizing that their contribution to building the nation was overlooked. Murshid assured that in 2024, efforts would be made to identify and honor these heroic individuals. According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Sharmin Murshid made these remarks at an event organized by the July Shaheed Smrity Foundation, where she was the chief guest. The event, which took place at the District Shilpakala Academy auditorium, included the distribution of cheques to the families of martyrs from the Rangpur division who lost their lives in the July-August anti-discrimination student movement. The function was moderated by Mahbubur Rahman Snigdho, the CEO of the July Shaheed Smrity Foundation and broth er of the deceased protester Mir Mahfuzur Rahman Mugdho. The ceremony commenced with the national anthem and a moment of silence in remembrance of those martyred in the July 2024 Revolution. Murshid, who is also the Women and Children Affairs Adviser, described the history of Bangladesh as being forged through the struggles of students and the general populace. She expressed that although Bangladesh achieved independence in 1971, the dreams of justice and equality remain unfulfilled. Murshid noted that the list of those injured and martyred in the July-August uprising is being compiled with transparency. She addressed concerns about focusing on Shaheed Abu Sayeed, asserting that he symbolizes all martyrs and that their stories are not forgotten. She encouraged people to hold the government accountable and to guide them in correcting any mistakes as they strive for progress. Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhter also spoke at the event, praising Shaheed Abu Sayeed of Rangpur for his global impact as a symbol of courage. She urged the younger generation to remember and honor the sacrifices made during the July-August uprising. The event concluded with the distribution of financial assistance cheques, amounting to Taka five lakh each, to the families of 44 martyrs out of the 65 individuals who were martyred in the 2024 mass uprising in the Rangpur division. Among those who addressed the gathering were General Secretary of the July Shaheed Smrity Foundation Md Sarjis Alam, Rangpur Range DIG Aminul Islam, Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Rabiul Faisal, Superintendent of Police Mohammad Sharif Uddin, and Shamsi Ara Zaman Koli, the mother of martyred journalist Tahir Zaman Priyo.
