EU, BDRCS, IFRC Partner to Strengthen Recovery of July Uprising Survivors

July 2024 uprising - a group of youngsters.

2 December 2025, Dhaka, Bangladesh: The Bangladesh Red Crescent Society (BDRCS) and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), with support from the European Union (EU), and technical support from the Danish Red Cross and Swedish Red Cross, have launched a comprehensive recovery programme expected to assist around 8,000 people affected by the July 2024 mass uprising across 16 districts of Bangladesh. The programme is designed to ensure a survivor-centred and holistic approach to healing and long-term recovery.

Under the EUR 2 million Pathways to Healing (P2H) initiative, a partnership between the EU and IFRC, the survivors will receive medical treatment, physiotherapy and rehabilitation services, mental health and psychosocial support, assistive devices and livelihood assistance. Along with these, awareness sessions on July uprising in schools and education institutions, capacity strengthening for health professionals and support to health facilities will be provided over the next 12 months.

Under this programme, today Tuesday afternoon at Holy Family Red Crescent Medical College Hospital in Dhaka, essential physiotherapy and rehabilitation equipment has been handed over to strengthen the hospital’s capacity to provide continued care to the July survivors.

Along with many July survivors, ambassador Michael Miller, Head of the Delegation of the European Union to Bangladesh, attended the ceremony. The event was also graced by Maj Gen Prof Dr. MD Azizul Islam (Retd), chairman of BDRCS, Dr. Kabir M Ashraf Alam ndc, Secretary General of BDRCS, Dr Shahana Zafar, Health Director of BDRCS, Prof. Dr. S.M. Khorshed Alam Mazumder, Director of the Holy Family Red Crescent Medical College Hospital, Ms Sonakshi Dey, Programme Coordinator of IFRC in Bangladesh, and other dignitaries.

After meeting survivors receiving treatment, Ambassador Miller said, ‘The European Union focus is on helping those who suffered severe injuries and trauma during the 2024 uprising, and whose needs continue, rebuild their lives with dignity.’

Since August 2025, BDRCS and IFRC have conducted joint assessments in coordination with the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs to identify those most in need of intensive support. Based on the Government’s Gazette (February 2025), 1,401 individuals in Category A (critically injured) and Category B (moderately injured) were prioritised, and 694 have been assessed in detail to determine their specific medical, psychosocial, and economic needs. This group will receive targeted and continuous support, while additional activities under the P2H initiative will reach thousands more through mental health and psychosocial support, livelihood interventions, community engagement, and institutional strengthening activities.

One July survivor from Gazipur, who used to drive a pick-up van, shared his experience, ‘I got badly injured on my both hands and had multiple surgeries. Later, one of my hands became immobile and lost the ability to work. The Red Crescent team came to my home, assessed my needs, and assured me that I would receive treatment and livelihood support. It has given me hope.’

Speaking at the ceremony, the Chairman of BDRCS, Major General Prof. Dr. Md Azizul Islam (Retired), said, ‘BDRCS has always stood beside people in times of crisis. This initiative allows us to support those who endured the July/August 2024 mass uprising and help them move toward a safer and meaningful recovery.’

Sonakshi Dey, IFRC Programme Coordinator, thanked the European Union for their meaningful partnership and generous contribution, ‘Our goal is to support survivors in rebuilding their physical, emotional, and economic well-being. With the European Union’s support, we are delivering comprehensive, survivor-centred assistance across affected communities.’

Grounded in fundamental principles of neutrality, impartiality, and independence, BDRCS and IFRC, with the support of the European Union, remain committed to provide assistance in a fair, transparent, and needs-responsive manner. This initiative will continue to expand its activities over the coming months in all 16 targeted districts, reaching more individuals, families, and communities with essential support. – Press release