Sharmin S. Murshed, the Advisor for Social Welfare and Women and Children Affairs, stated, "I have two clear and deeply personal commitments.
First, to ensure that our female freedom fighters who gave their lives for the nation are granted their full rights by the state without hesitation. Second, to use every resource, opportunity, and strength available under my ministry to support the families of these martyrs, especially their children, in building a secure future."
She made these remarks on Sunday (6 July) during visits to the homes of Shaheed Riya Ghosh in Nayamati, Narayanganj in the morning, and Shaheed Sumaiya in Painaadi, Siddhirganj in the afternoon.
At Riya’s home, a deeply emotional moment unfolded as her mother who lost her only child broke down in tears and embraced the advisor while recalling memories of her daughter. Advisor Sharmin consoled her and assured her that justice would be served for the killing.
Sharmin S. Murshed further said, “We have dedicated this entire month to the July Movement. By visiting the families of those we’ve lost, we are saying: ‘We have not forgotten you, and we never will.’ The nation acknowledges your sacrifice, and we will do everything we can to honor it. The people of this country will remember them. Their stories must live on in our minds and in our words.”
She added, “Today I was able to visit Riya’s mother. It’s not possible to go to every martyr’s home, but I want to reach out to the families of the eleven young women and 135 children who became martyrs we want to wipe their tears.”
Sharmin also mentioned a newly named stadium in memory of little Riya. “When children go to play there for years and generations to come, they will see Riya’s name and ask, ‘Why is it named after her?’ And that is when her story will be told. A special corner at the stadium will be dedicated to all the children we lost, with their names displayed.”
Reiterating her commitments, Sharmin said, “My two priorities remain: ensuring the state fully guarantees the rights of our female martyrs, and doing all we can—using the ministry’s resources to support their families, especially their children.”
Speaking about Sumaiya's family and her daughter Swaiba, the advisor emphasized, “Standing by this martyr’s family is our moral duty. At the very least, we must ensure these children’s access to education is not disrupted. It is our responsibility to create a safe and supportive environment for their future.”
Regarding the July Movement's female martyrs, she said, “I have made a formal proposal: our ministry will publish a research-based compilation on the lives of the eleven female martyrs. I have always said our daughters will not be forgotten. Their stories are heroic, yet we rarely hear them. I believe it is my duty to preserve and share their history.”
She also acknowledged the complications often surrounding martyr family allowances, stating, “We are carefully reviewing these matters. The government is committed to a clear and just approach. We are developing policies to ensure maximum support for the children of martyrs and their guardians, and the administration is implementing this with fairness.”
Narayanganj District Commissioner Zahidul Islam Miah, leaders from the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, and senior administrative officials were also present during the visits.
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