Published : 09 Jul 2025, 05:49 AM
Updated : 21 Aug 2026, 01:29 PM
Injured protesters from the mass uprising have stormed the office of the July Martyrs Memorial Foundation in Dhaka’s Shahbagh, reportedly over frustration with delays in receiving the second phase of financial support.
The incident took place on Tuesday, with the foundation’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Kamal Akbar saying the protesters were angry over delays caused by “a shortage of funds”.
A video of the incident, lasting over two minutes, has circulated widely on the internet.
It shows several young men hurling abuse at staff inside the office. One of them is heard shouting: “Open the lock, open the lock, give me that stick,” while kicking the door as others attempt to restrain him.
Another man is seen striking the door with a crutch, and one protester lifts a chair in an attempt to hit someone.
A voice is then heard yelling: “Our lives are over.”
Another added, “Your CEO will throw us out by force?”
Speaking to bdnews24.com, Kamal said: “Those who were severely injured and hospitalised have been asking for the second round of aid for a long time.
“But due to a lack of funds, we’ve been unable to provide that support.”
He added, “We received Tk 1 billion from the chief advisor’s fund, Tk 50 million from Bangladesh Bank, and another Tk 50 million from private contributions.
“Out of this, we gave Tk 500,000 each to 805 martyr families and provided assistance to nearly 6,500 injured.
“With what’s left, we’re unable to add any more recipients. If we go for any other option, some people will get angry.”
The CEO noted that despite limited resources, the foundation had drawn up a priority list.
He said, “We are trying to support those who are severely ill, hospitalised, or a burden on their families.
“But this process takes time. That delay is what upset the injured protesters.”
“If we rush, mistakes will happen,” he added. “We had committed to a timeline but missed it. [On Tuesday] I asked for three more days because I can’t proceed without accuracy.
“That delay made them angry. Given what they’ve been through, their reaction is understandable.”
The July Martyrs Memorial Foundation was formed on Sept 10, 2024, to support those killed or injured during the student-led uprising.
Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus is the president of the foundation.
