July Warriors to Get 50% Airfare, 36% Hotel Discounts

The government has announced a 50 per cent discount on airfares for July warriors and families of those killed during the July Mass Uprising, along with a 36 per cent discount at hotels and motels operated by Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation (BPC).

Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam made the announcement on Tuesday evening at a reception and discussion organised by the BPC at Parjatan Bhaban in Agargaon to honour the families of July martyrs and injured July fighters.

Marking “36 July”, the minister said July warriors and members of martyr families would receive a 36 per cent discount at BPC-run hotels and motels. Initiatives would also be taken to create employment opportunities for July fighters and provide them with special discounts on tickets of Biman Bangladesh Airlines.

She also stressed the need to make Bangladesh’s tourism sector more inclusive, safe, sustainable, people-friendly and internationally competitive.

“The tourism sector can play an important role in harnessing the country’s economic potential, creating employment and fostering national unity and cultural harmony,” she said.

Afroza said the sacrifices of the July martyrs and injured fighters should be reflected in efforts to build a humane, discrimination-free and dignified Bangladesh.

“Showing respect to the families of the martyrs and standing beside the injured fighters are our moral and state responsibilities,” she said.

State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism M Rashiduzzaman Millat said arrangements would be made to provide July fighters with free entry to tourism attractions and employment opportunities in organisations under the ministry.

He said comparing the Liberation War fighters of 1971 with the July warriors of 2024 was not logical, arguing that the Liberation War led to the country’s independence while the 2024 movement restored national sovereignty.

State Minister for Planning Md Jonaed Abdur Rahim Saki said the sacrifices of the July Mass Uprising had created a responsibility to build a new Bangladesh based on people’s aspirations, equal opportunities and social justice.

“The current government is busy fulfilling the aspirations of July, not competing to take credit for July,” he said.

BPC Chairman Md Samimuzzaman, who chaired the programme, said honouring the July martyrs and injured fighters was not merely a ceremonial exercise but also reflected the corporation’s responsibility and gratitude.

He said the BPC would work to develop a tourism industry that contributes to economic growth, creates employment, engages local communities and promotes Bangladesh’s history, culture and natural attractions internationally.

At the programme, prize bonds and commemorative crests were handed over to family members of July martyrs and injured fighters. Family members of five July martyrs and five injured July fighters attended the event.

Civil Aviation and Tourism Secretary Fahmida Akhtar, ndc, senior government officials, tourism-sector stakeholders, BPC officials and employees, journalists and invited guests were also present.