BNP Standing Committee Member Nazrul Islam Khan today spoke at a view exchange meeting with the families of those killed and injured in the July Mass Uprising at Krishibid Institution Bangladesh auditorium in Dhaka. Photo : BSS

DHAKA, Jan 18, 2026 (BSS) – BNP Standing Committee Member Nazrul Islam Khan today stressed on recognizing the fighters of July uprising as the freedom fighters of the present time. 

“If the aspirations of the Liberation War had been fully realized, the country would not have witnessed the killing, torture, and repression of leaders and activists over the past 17–18 years,” he said. 

The veteran BNP leader made the remarks at a view exchange meeting with the families of those killed and injured in the July Mass Uprising at Krishibid Institution Bangladesh (KIB) auditorium in the city’s Khamarbari this afternoon.

Referring to the sufferings of the families of the July fighters, he said BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman is deeply concerned about ensuring justice and rehabilitation for them. 

He added that if BNP comes to power through the people’s mandate, qualified members of the martyr families would be given important responsibilities in the state.

Khan said the families of those martyred in the 2024 Mass uprising would be entrusted with responsibilities related to the trial of the killings and the treatment and rehabilitation of the injured. 

“Whatever steps the families take, the government will stand by them and, if necessary, take responsibility,” he added.

He recalled that BNP founder and Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman had established the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs to ensure the welfare of the families of the 1971 martyrs. 

He said that if BNP forms the government in the future, the families of the July martyrs and fighters would be brought under the same ministry for state assistance.

“If we fail to honor those who sacrificed their lives for the country, no one will come forward to protect the nation in the times of danger,” he warned.

Lauding the BNP leadership, Nazrul Islam Khan said Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman was the first rebel of the Liberation War and laid down his life for the country. 

He said Begum Khaleda Zia fought against tyranny to free the nation, while Tarique Rahman, despite being forced to live abroad for 17 years, remained closely connected with the people and shares a deep bond with the families of martyrs.

Urging the martyr families to remain hopeful, he said, “Have faith in Tarique Rahman’s leadership. He will not forget you.”

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, ‘Amra BNP Paribar’ Convener Atiqur Rahman Rumon, family members of the martyrs, and injured activists also spoke at the meeting.

Deputy Office Secretary of the BNP Abdus Sattar Patwary moderated the function.