July activists seek separate ID cards, legal protection for family members

They tell the Consensus Commission that they are denied medical care despite holding health cards

The July activists have demanded the introduction of specific identity cards to recognise their status and ensure legal protection for their families.

The group made the call during a meeting with the National Consensus Commission held at the LD Hall of the parliament on Monday, according to a media statement from the commission.

“They stressed the need for necessary measures to secure legal protection for July families,” the statement said.

“They also underlined the importance of issuing specific identity cards to each July activist.”

The meeting was attended by Commission Vice-Chairman Ali Riaz, members Badiul Alam Majumdar, Iftekharuzzaman, Mohammad Ayub Miah, and Monir Haider, special assistant to the chief advisor.

The statement added that the activists told the commission they had been denied treatment at different hospitals since Eid-ul-Azha, despite holding official health cards.

They described the situation as deeply “regrettable and inhumane”.

To address this, the group requested that the health advisor send written instructions to all hospitals across Bangladesh to ensure medical access.

Referring to the day the July Charter was signed, the activists said it was never their intention to cause unrest or violence at the South Plaza of parliament. They had gathered “only to present their legitimate demands”.

They alleged that “external elements” infiltrated the area at that time and were responsible for the clashes and vandalism. The activists said they had identified 20 to 25 individuals involved.

July activists expressed regret over the incident and appealed to the commission for help in withdrawing the four cases filed in its aftermath.

The commission said it would inform the relevant authorities of the demands and provide support to help resolve their issues.