Government pledges 1,560 free flats for July uprising injured

In a landmark move to support victims of the July mass uprising, the government has unveiled plans to construct 1,560 free residential flats for individuals severely injured during the protests. These units will be built on government-owned land in Dhaka’s Mirpur-9, with the project being implemented by the National Housing Authority at a projected cost of BDT 1,344 crore.

Each 1,250-square-foot flat will be designed with inclusivity and accessibility in mind. The layout includes two bedrooms, a drawing room, a living room, a dining area, a kitchen, and three bathrooms. A specially equipped room will also be integrated into each flat to cater to residents who are physically disabled or visually impaired due to their injuries.

Officials said this housing initiative reflects the government‍‍`s long-term commitment to rehabilitating those who lost their ability to work or became permanently injured during the uprising. The effort is part of two broader projects—one for the martyrs and another for the injured—set to be approved by the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) within this month. Both are targeted for completion by 2029.

Government records show that 493 individuals have been categorized as "critically injured" (Class A), while 908 fall under the "severely injured" (Class B) category—totaling 1,401. Additionally, 834 individuals have officially been declared martyrs of the July uprising.

The flats will be tailored to accommodate the unique needs of those with mobility challenges, including amputees. Fifteen multi-story buildings will be developed inside the Mirpur Housing Estate, which is managed by the National Housing Authority.

Syed Md. Nurul Basir, Chairman of the National Housing Authority, confirmed the initiative and emphasized that infrastructure readiness is a top priority. He noted that the construction process is expected to take about four years. The final list of beneficiaries will be prepared jointly by the July Directorate, the National Housing Authority, and the Ministry of Public Works, with injury severity being a primary factor in allocation.