Vandalism at July Martyrs’ Memorial Foundation Office Over Delayed Aid*

Several individuals injured during the July uprising vandalized the office of the July Martyrs’ Memorial Foundation in Shahbag, Dhaka, after failing to receive promised financial aid despite multiple visits. The incident occurred on Tuesday (July 8) evening near BARDEM Hospital. Initially, the office was locked, and following arguments with foundation staff, the vandalism took place. Around 20 to 25 July fighters were present at the time.

The injured individuals alleged that they were repeatedly called for the second phase of financial aid but were not paid despite being given a specific date for Tuesday. After waiting for three to four hours outside the office, the foundation’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Kamal Akbar, informed them that the funds could not be disbursed that day. Angered by this and an alleged rude behavior by a staff member, the group locked the office and vandalized it.

A visit to the office post-incident revealed scattered chairs, a damaged water filter, three broken glass doors, and glass shards strewn across the floor. Mamun Hosen, one of the injured, told Prothom Alo, “A foundation staff member threatened to push us out, which led to the vandalism. The July Foundation exists for us, but we are repeatedly turned away without funds.” He added that he has been under treatment since being injured in last year’s uprising, stating, “I have a bullet in my head and have been under treatment for 11 months. What is the guarantee of our lives?” Nazmul Hosen, a third-year student at Savar Government College, said, “For seven months, I’ve been chasing the second phase of funds. Those with good connections get paid first. The seriously injured, especially those receiving treatment abroad, are not getting the second phase of aid. The CEO keeps giving dates but no money.”

Kamal Akbar, CEO of the July Martyrs’ Memorial Foundation, said, “Many of the injured are still traumatized. Their anger and vandalism have a context. We have no complaints against them.” Addressing the delay allegations, he said, “The seriously injured received funds in the first phase. We’ve disbursed second-phase funds to 806 people, and the rest will be paid in stages.” He noted that the foundation has 7 crore taka and has requested the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs to remove 39 fake injured individuals and four names from the martyrs’ list. After discussions, it was decided to disburse funds on Sunday.[