Prime Minister Tarique Rahman met the families of two soldiers killed in a tank-firing accident in Chattogram's Hathazari and handed over cheques for financial assistance on Tuesday.
The meeting took place at the Prime Minister's Office in Tejgaon where he expressed his condolences to the bereaved families. "The soldiers lost their lives while performing their duties for the country. They have been martyred while serving the country. The nation will remember their sacrifice with deep respect" he said.
He assured the families that the government and the Bangladesh Army would continue to support them. "The government and the Army will always stand by your families. Along with providing necessary assistance and the government will also fulfil its responsibility to look after the families of the martyred soldiers" he added.
Besides the cheques, the Army announced it would build a house for each family at their permanent addresses. Arrangements will also be made to provide jobs for the soldiers' wives and monthly allowances for their children.
The two soldiers Sainik (Operator) Abu Bakar Siddique and Sainik (Gunner) Md Tasnim Rifat died in a shell explosion during a tank-firing exercise at the Hathazari Field Firing Range on September 9. An army officer was also seriously injured in the incident and is currently receiving treatment at the Combined Military Hospital (CMH) in Dhaka. The Prime Minister had visited him at the hospital on Friday.
Prime Minister's wife Dr Zubaida Rahman along with Army Chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman and senior army officials were present at Tuesday's meeting.
Abu Bakar Siddique's family members present included his wife Suraiya Akter Juthi, daughter Fatema Siddika, father Abdul Wahab and mother Parvin Akter. Md Tasnim Rifat's family included his wife Mosammat Fahmida Afrin, daughter Rafsa Tasnim Ifra and father Md Asadul Haque.
Deputy Press Secretary Hasan Shiplu said the Prime Minister personally spoke to each family also offering comfort and reassurance. Quoting the Prime Minister, Shiplu said "We are with you and will be with you in this time of mourning. The government and the army will always stand by your family."
The government's continued commitment includes not just immediate financial aid but long-term support housing, employment and allowances aimed at securing the families' future in recognition of the soldiers' sacrifice for national service.
