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Reema Akter, whose husband Mohammad Sohag was killed in Bangshal, said, “Why is the government ignoring us? Why do we have to beg for what is rightfully ours? We cannot bear this anymore. Please stand by us.”

Rabiul Awal, whose brother Imam Hasan (Taim) was killed in police firing in Jatrabari, said he has been seeking justice for six months without any progress. “For months, I’ve run from one government office to another, but none of the perpetrators have been arrested or put on trial,” he said.

Shahina Begum, mother of Sajjad Hossain, who was killed in Ashulia on August 5 and had his body burned after his death, broke down in tears.

“They killed my son like an animal and then burned his body. Yet no one has been arrested. If the criminals are not caught, how will justice be served?”

Many families also spoke of their struggles after losing their primary earning members.

Saidur Rahman Khan, grandfather of Shahriar Khan Anas, who was shot dead in Chankharpul, said, “This government was formed based on the martyrs’ sacrifices. But now it has abandoned us. Its first responsibility should have been to support the martyrs’ families, yet we are being forced to protest for our rights.”

Mosharraf Hossain, father of journalist Mehedi Hasan, who was killed in Jatrabari, asked, “What was his crime? Was reporting the truth a crime? The fascist regime murdered my son for delivering news. The interim government made many promises, but nothing has been done for us.”

Abul Hasan, father of Shahriar Hasan Alvi, who was shot dead in Mirpur, moderated the event.

“The government hasn’t inquired about any of the martyr families. Many of us are living in inhumane conditions. Some families can’t even afford milk for their children,” he said.