Chief advisor donates Tk 1bn to July Martyrs Memorial Foundation

Muhammad Yunus has donated Tk 1 billion from the Chief Advisor’s Relief Fund to the July Martyrs Memorial Foundation, a gesture aimed at supporting those affected by the mass movement.

Mir Mahbubur Rahman Snigdho, the general secretary of the foundation and brother of Mir Mahfuzur Rahman Mugdho, who died in the mass movement, announced the development at a press conference on Tuesday at Dhaka's Foreign Service Academy.

“I urge everyone, both inside and outside the country, to contribute to our relief efforts. Starting the treatment of the injured is crucial, as delays could worsen their condition. We request everyone to support this fund as much as possible,” Snigdho said.

ICT Advisor Md Nahid Islam highlighted the foundation’s immediate plans at the event, which include providing emergency financial assistance to the injured. A one-time grant will follow, and a monthly allowance will be arranged for them later.

He added that the foundation would also document the events of the uprising.

“The families of the injured and the martyrs are going through mental trauma. A mental health counselling programme will be initiated for them. We will also conduct a global awareness campaign by documenting and publicising the events of the uprising,” Nahid said.

The ICT advisor announced that financial aid distribution to the families of the injured and martyrs will begin shortly.

“We are prioritising emergency financial assistance, starting with the Tk 1 billion fund provided by the Chief Advisor’s Relief Fund,” he added.

“This is an open foundation, and anyone can contribute. We are calling upon everyone, both locally and globally, to donate so that we can successfully implement these initiatives and stand by the families of the martyrs,” he said.

Nahid clarified that the donation to the foundation is separate from the contributions made to the Chief Advisor’s Relief Fund for flood victims.

“The chief advisor has the discretion to allocate funds to any sector, and from that authority, this donation has been made. Now that we have received it, we appeal to everyone to contribute to the foundation. The government will continue its efforts alongside the initiatives of the foundation.”

When asked, Nahid said that according to the health ministry, over 20,000 people were injured in the July uprising, with nearly 800 martyrs.

“So far, we’ve been able to contact 700 martyr families. Once communication with all families is complete, a memorial service will be arranged,” Nahid said.