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In an impassioned maiden speech, Member of Parliament Rokeya Begum brought the human cost of the July Uprising to the forefront, sharing her personal anguish as a mother who lost her son, Jabir Ibrahim, during the movement.

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On August 5, my little son, Jabir Ibrahim, was shot and embraced martyrdom after suffering severe blood loss. Honourable Speaker, when I saw him, his face had turned pale. Not a drop of blood seemed to remain in his body; it had all been spilled on this soil.

Begum recounted the tragic final moments of her son, describing his pale face and the blood spilled on the soil. She stated that the parliament stands on the blood of martyrs like her son and the cries of the nation's wounded children. "What every father and mother truly wants is justice for the killing of their child," she declared, emphasizing that fascism cannot be fully eradicated without visible justice and demanding that the government ensure accountability for every killing during the uprising.

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This parliament stands on the blood of countless martyrs like my son and the cries of the nation’s wounded children.

Expressing deep concern over the judicial process, Begum noted that out of 80 cases filed with the International Crimes Tribunal, only seven verdicts have been delivered in nearly two years, with many still under investigation or testimony. She called for the law minister to provide regular updates to parliament on the progress of these cases to reassure the parents of the victims.

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What every father and mother truly wants is justice for the killing of their child. Without visible justice, fascism cannot be fully eradicated. We demand that the present government ensure justice for every killing during the July mass uprising.

Furthermore, Begum highlighted the plight of the injured and the families of the martyrs. She stated that over 1,000 people died during the July Uprising, yet only 834 have been officially gazetted, with another 50 awaiting listing. She urged for adequate resources to ensure proper investigation and recognition for both the martyrs and the injured fighters, particularly those who have lost limbs and are not receiving appropriate care or categorization. She also referenced the July Martyrs’ Memorial Foundation, acknowledging its support but implying a need for continued or improved assistance.

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In nearly two years, only seven verdicts have been delivered, which shows how slowly the process is moving.