Streamline ongoing efforts to help July victims
Since the ouster of the Awami League government on August 5, numerous volunteers have been involved in assisting the victims of the July-August uprising. Some of them recently spoke at a discussion hosted by The Daily Star, where they described how the interim government's efforts to support the victims have been hindered by mismanagement and a lack of coordination among various stakeholders. The continuation of this situation is quite unfortunate.
The volunteers highlighted a number of issues that have made the process of delivering support unnecessarily complex and time-consuming. There is still no clear framework for overseeing efforts at the grassroots level. Consequently, many victims have yet to receive any support, while in some cases, there has been duplication of efforts. One volunteer said that although the government is covering all treatment costs, many victims cannot afford the additional expenses of travelling to Dhaka and securing accommodation. Another described the cumbersome process for obtaining free treatment. "A single test requires the signatures of five-six people, and often, those responsible are unavailable," he said. Meanwhile, patients have to visit hospitals multiple times to receive free medication. This should not be the case, as it is the responsibility of the health authorities to ensure swift disbursement of medication. In many instances, delays are worsening the victims' conditions, leading to life-altering consequences.
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It is clear that there is a lack of strategic planning in government efforts. This explains why many of the injured, frustrated by the delays and hassles, took to the streets last month to demand attention to their plight. This situation is also taking a toll on the volunteers, many of whom want to return to their normal lives but are unable to do so as many injured individuals still need their help.
While we recognise the numerous challenges that the administration is having to deal with simultaneously, it must set its priorities in order. Creating a well-coordinated, hassle-free system that ensures every victim of the July-August uprising receives necessary support should be one of its top priorities. The government must quickly compile a comprehensive list of all the injured, and ensure that the process for enlisting support is seamless. Engaging with all stakeholders, including volunteers, to develop an effective strategy is essential to ensure that those affected receive help without enduring bureaucratic obstacles. This is the most effective way the government can serve the injured at this stage.
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