Liberation War Affairs Minister Ahmed Azam Khan told parliament on Sunday that a special directorate has been established to provide rehabilitation and state recognition to those killed, injured or otherwise affected during the July movement. He made the remarks in response to a question from lawmaker Sanzida Islam Tuli about progress on recognition, compensation and rehabilitation.

Tuli said the ministry had planned a directorate for state recognition and rehabilitation of July movement martyrs and injured people. She also sought details on plans and current progress for people subjected to enforced disappearance and extrajudicial killing. The minister said the ministry had arranged a large event at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Exhibition Center for the International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances, attended by victims and family members regardless of political affiliation.

Khan said the government was committed to granting state recognition to leaders of BNP, Jamaat and other political parties who were subjected to disappearance, killing, torture or disability over the past 17 years. He added that an initiative was under way to create another directorate to ensure their proper rehabilitation and state evaluation.