July Shaheed Smriti Foundation launched with Tk100cr donation from CA’s welfare fund

The government has provided Tk100 crore to the July Shaheed Smriti Foundation, formed to support families of those killed and injured during the recent Anti-Discrimination Student Movement.

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus handed over a cheque of Tk100 crore to the foundation from his relief and welfare fund at a ceremony today (17 September) at the State guesthouse Jamuna, said Nahid Islam, adviser to the Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology and Information and Broadcasting.

Speaking to the Foreign Service Academy, Nahid also said Seven initiatives have been taken with the July Shaheed Smriti Foundation, including providing one-time allocation and monthly allowances to the families of those killed during the student movement.

“We will start it this week. The cheque has been handed over by the government today. People will be requested to donate to this foundation,” he added.

Activities like providing emergency financial support to the injured people, archiving and documentation work honouring the memories of martyrs, long-term rehabilitation, mental health and counselling and global advocacy and awareness programs will be implemented with support from the foundation, the adviser also said.

Responding to a question, Nahid said there are 20,000 plus injured while the number of martyrs is around 800.

Mir Mugdho’s twin brother Mir Mahbubur Rahman Snigdho and Adviser Asif Mahmud were also present on the occasion.

Earlier, the Foundation was formed with Chief Adviser Prof Yunus as its president and Mahbubur Rahman Snigdho as secretary.

Besides, a seven-member executive council has been formed for this foundation.