Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Saturday pledged to ensure comprehensive recognition, rehabilitation, and long-term support for the martyrs and those injured during the historic July-August Mass Uprising 2024.

Speaking at the 'July National Conference' held at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Center in Agargaon, the Prime Minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to honoring the legacy of those who sacrificed their lives and well-being for the nation's democratic transition.

"We are working to ensure the highest respect, recognition, improved quality of life, comprehensive rehabilitation and necessary support for the families of the martyrs and the July fighters," the premier stated.

Reflecting on the personal cost of political struggle, the Prime Minister shared that he often contemplates what his late mother, former prime minister and BNP chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia, would advise regarding the pursuit of justice versus retribution for past injustices.

"I believe she would say, 'Your duty now is to unite everyone and move the country forward.' I know my brother would have given me the same answer," he said.

Addressing the pursuit of accountability, the Prime Minister vowed that those responsible for the violence during the uprising would face justice, while strictly emphasizing that the process must remain fair.

"The trial of the July martyrs will take place on the soil of this country. However, justice must not become a source of injustice for anyone. Even if it takes longer, we must ensure that the guilty receive fair and proper justice," he declared.

He further maintained that the July Movement was a struggle for a better future, belonging not to any specific party or individual, but to all citizens.

"The achievement of August 5 does not belong to any individual or political party. It belongs to every democracy-loving citizen of the country. It is the outcome of the collective sacrifices of the people," he added, urging the nation to maintain unity for progress.

During an emotional address to the families of the fallen and the survivors, the Prime Minister acknowledged the permanence of their trauma.

"You have lost your loved ones. Some of you have lost parts of your bodies. Those losses can never truly be restored. But if together we can build a stronger Bangladesh, one day you will be able to say with pride that your loved ones' sacrifices helped change the destiny of this nation. Let us all unite for the welfare of our country and its people," he urged.

The conference, jointly organized by the July '24 Martyrs' Families Society and the Central Executive Committee of Amra July Joddha, served as a platform for families to recount their experiences, marked by deeply moving testimonies.

Under the theme "Bangladesh First," the venue was adorned with banners declaring, "A proud history, an indomitable spirit. Let this 4th of July inspire everyone-the sacrifice that changed history."

The proceedings commenced with a recitation from the Holy Qur'an, followed by prayers for the martyrs, the national anthem, and a documentary screening on the movement.

The Prime Minister honored several individuals by presenting "July Memorial" plaques to representatives including Rob Mia, father of martyr Miraj; Ujjal Hossain, brother of martyr Selim; uprising survivor Al Miraj; and fighter Aminul Islam Emon.

Organizers indicated that similar commemorative plaques are slated for distribution to all participants, while representatives of the martyrs' families also presented a memorial plaque to the Prime Minister.

The event was chaired by Jatiya Sangsad Chief Whip Nurul Islam Moni, with addresses from Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed, Liberation War Affairs Minister Ahmed Azam Khan, Housing and Public Works Minister Zakaria Taher, and State Minister for Liberation War Engineer Ishraque Hossain.

The gathering was attended by a broad spectrum of dignitaries, including ambassadors, high commissioners, military and civil officials, and professional leaders.

The July 2024 uprising, which began as student protests against the government job quota system, evolved into a 36-day nationwide movement that culminated in the flight of fascist Sheikh Hasina on August 5.

While the government’s official gazette recognizes 834 martyrs, a United Nations investigation into the unrest suggests that fatalities between July 1 and August 15 may have exceeded 1,400.