A growing number of injured student protesters are speaking out against what they describe as widespread corruption in the selection and aid distribution process for “July fighters” in Thakurgaon.
The term refers to students and civilians who were injured during nationwide protests calling for quota reform and the resignation of the previous Awami League government. Following the change in leadership, the interim government announced financial support for those wounded during the July movement.
According to an official notice, 348 individuals from Thakurgaon were listed to receive support. But several participants now claim that many names on the list belong to people who were never involved in the movement.
“We were on the streets fighting for the country,” said one student protester. “Yet we were left out. Some people who never showed up are getting money instead.”
Others allege that local student representatives and committee members demanded bribes in exchange for adding names to the official list. One protester claimed, “There’s a deal. If you pay one lakh taka, they’ll put you on the list and take 20 or 30 percent of the amount.”
Another person said fake hospital documents were submitted to prove injuries. “Some people rented old medicine wrappers just to get listed,” he added.
Student representatives named in the allegations have denied the claims. They say the aid is being distributed according to official guidelines and reject any link to bribery.
The controversy has drawn a response from the district administration. Thakurgaon’s Deputy Commissioner acknowledged that mistakes had occurred in the list.
“We received a directive from higher authorities,” he said. “We’re now reviewing the list and will make corrections. If anyone truly injured has been missed, we’ll try to verify and include them.”
The official added that anyone found responsible for corruption would face action if proper evidence is provided.
Many of the original activists from the bloody July movement feel like forgotten soldiers. They remember the brutal clashes with police, the dozens of people hurt in just one city, Thakurgaon.
Now, as they see others capitalizing on their struggle, they’re the ones left dealing with the aftermath—including a slow-moving review by local authorities to officially confirm their long-term injuries, especially for those still getting medical treatment. That process alone could take several more days.
