Several protesters injured during the July Uprising vandalized the July Shaheed Smriti Foundation office in Dhaka’s Shahbagh on Tuesday evening. Around 20 to 25 injured individuals gathered at the office after being promised a second phase of compensation. Despite multiple previous delays, they were once again told the payments would not be made. Frustrated, the protesters locked the office and later damaged furniture, broke glass doors, and shattered a water filter following an altercation with foundation staff.
Protesters alleged that those with internal connections were receiving funds while severely injured individuals were being ignored. Mamun Hossain, who has been under treatment for 11 months, said they were being repeatedly misled.
Foundation CEO Kamal Akbar attributed the outburst to trauma and frustration. He confirmed 806 injured have received second-phase payments and assured that more would be disbursed soon. A fresh payment date has been set for Sunday.
