How did so many fake names enter the July martyrs’ list?
Having seen over the decades how those in charge have botched the list of Bangladesh's freedom fighters, leading to the frequent inclusion of "fake" beneficiaries and exclusion of genuine candidates, it shouldn't come as a surprise that a similar botchwork is in play with the listing of July uprising martyrs. Yet, it does. The preparation of such a high-impact list under a political government may lend itself to politicisation and exploitation, but a non-political administration should, ideally, be able to handle it more efficiently. Sadly, nothing has been ideal about it so far, as per an an investigative report by Prothom Alo.
The report reveals that of the 834 individuals currently listed as martyrs, at least 52 do not meet the legal definition of a July martyr. The July Uprising Martyr Families and July Warriors Welfare and Rehabilitation Ordinance, 2025 clearly states that only those killed by state security forces or ruling party affiliates during the uprising would qualify as a martyr. But the current list includes 35 people who died in arson-related fires, three in road accidents, two from illness, one from electrocution, and several killed in personal disputes or clashes unrelated to the uprising. Even three policemen, a Chhatra League leader, and one who was involved in July attacks on protesters have been added to the roll of honour.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. Of the 834 individuals currently listed as martyrs, at least 52 reportedly do not meet the legal definition of a July martyr. The July Uprising Martyr Families and July Warriors Welfare and Rehabilitation Ordinance, 2025 clearly states that only those killed by state security forces or ruling party affiliates during the uprising would qualify as a martyr. But the current list includes 35 people who died in arson-related fires, three in road accidents, two from illness, one from electrocution, and several killed in personal disputes or clashes unrelated to the uprising. Even three policemen, a Chhatra League leader, and one who was involved in July attacks on protesters have been added to the roll of honour.
The absurdity of this situation becomes further evident when you consider that five of the names belong to individuals who died in incidents occuring after the Awami League government's fall on August 5. Many of the families Prothom Alo spoke with admitted that their relatives did not die from injuries caused by atrocities during the uprising, but they received benefits anyway. Some even confessed that they enlisted their names to access government compensation. As we know, each listed martyr's family is entitled to a lump sum of Tk 30 lakh, including through savings certificates. There is also a monthly stipend of Tk 20,000, and the prospect of getting flats in Dhaka. The allure of these provisions has clearly created avenues for abuse and deception.
Needless to say, this undermines the credibility of the entire exercise, stripping a solemn state recognition of its sanctity. The question is, how could such glaring discrepancies slip through the vetting process by the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs, particularly the Directorate of July Mass Uprising? This cannot be a simple clerical mistake; it points to the complicity of corrupt officials and the manoeuvring of opportunists. Apparently, the government has instructed deputy commissioners (DCs) to re-verify the list, but such reactive measures cannot undo the damage already caused, nor do they absolve those responsible for trivialising the sacrifices of the true martyrs.
We urge the government to immediately suspend all benefits to disputed names until proper verification is completed. Independent committees must be formed to ensure thorough re-vetting, and the updated list must be published with case details to restore public confidence. The July uprising is a watershed event in our history, and to taint its legacy with a manipulated list would be a betrayal to those who truly fell for freedom.
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