Special Correspondent: Sheikh Azizur Rahman, a July 2024 mass uprising fighter who sustained a bullet wound to the head and 36 splinter injuries, met Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Thursday and presented him with the blood-stained national flag he had used to stop bleeding from his head during the movement.The meeting was held around noon at the Prime Minister’s Office at the Bangladesh Secretariat, according to Prime Minister’s Deputy Press Secretary Md Suzauddhowla (Sujan Mahmud).The meeting came after a recent media report, titled “Despite being shot, July fighter denied recognition over Chhatra Dal affiliation,” drew the attention of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.The Prime Minister subsequently instructed his Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Ruman to look into the matter. Following the directive, arrangements were made for Azizur to meet the Prime Minister.During the meeting, Tarique Rahman listened attentively as Azizur recounted his experience during the July uprising, including his injuries, suffering and struggle to continue his education and support his family.The Prime Minister also enquired about Azizur’s injuries, education, treatment and his efforts to finance his studies by driving a CNG-run auto-rickshaw.The Prime Minister was deeply moved after hearing about Azizur’s difficult journey and expressed sympathy for his suffering.Azizur then handed over to the Prime Minister the historic national flag that he had tied around his head after being shot during the height of the July 2024 mass uprising.Speaking about the meeting, Azizur said he was overwhelmed with emotion at finally meeting the Prime Minister in person.He said the Prime Minister listened to his pain and asked about his condition, describing the encounter as one of the most memorable moments of his life.Azizur also said he had long wanted to present the blood-stained national flag to the Prime Minister and was deeply happy that his wish had finally been fulfilled.A second-year honours student of social work at Government Bangla College, Azizur is a member of the convening committee of the college unit of Chhatra Dal. He is from Lohagara upazila in Narail.During the July 2024 mass uprising, Azizur first came into public attention after he hoisted the national flag on the Mirpur-10 flyover.He was later seriously injured when police opened fire during the movement. After a bullet struck his head, he suffered heavy bleeding and tied the national flag around his head to stem the flow of blood.The flag became stained with his blood.Despite his serious injury, Azizur did not leave the streets. He was later arrested on July 19 and released on July 21 after two days in remand.Yet, despite his injuries and participation in the movement, Azizur was denied recognition as a July fighter for two years because of his political affiliation.His struggle did not end with the uprising. To support his family and continue his education, he was compelled to work as a CNG-run auto-rickshaw driver.The Prime Minister’s intervention has now opened the way for Azizur to receive proper recognition for his role and sacrifice during the July 2024 mass uprising.For Azizur, the blood-stained national flag he presented to the Prime Minister is more than a historic memento. It is a personal reminder of the injury, sacrifice and struggle he endured during one of the most consequential chapters of Bangladesh’s recent history. Photo: PMO