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In a controversial development, Md. Tara Mia, a Yub League leader from Gafargaon Upazila in Mymensingh, has been issued a "July Fighter" health card, prompting widespread criticism among locals. The health card, meant for those injured during the July 2024 anti-discrimination movement, was distributed during a ceremony on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, at the Gafargaon Upazila Parishad meeting room.
The event, organized by the Upazila administration in collaboration with the Upazila Health and Family Planning Department, was chaired by Dr. Mohammad Jamal Uddin, the Upazila Health and Family Planning Officer.
Mohammad Monirul Islam Chamak Fakir, former general secretary of Mashakhali Union BNP, confirmed that Tara Mia is an active Yub League member in his union, raising questions about the legitimacy of his inclusion in the list of July Fighters.
Upazila Executive Officer (UNO) N.M. Abdullah Al Mamun stated that he was unaware of Tara Mia’s political affiliation. "We distributed the cards based on the gazette list provided by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare," he said, adding that Tara Mia, despite being a Gafargaon resident, applied for the card in Dhaka. Mamun assured that the issue has been reported to the ministry, and if Tara Mia fails to provide valid evidence of his participation in the July movement, his gazette status will be revoked through official procedures.
Efforts to contact Tara Mia for comment were unsuccessful as his mobile phone was switched off.
The health card initiative aims to provide free medical treatment at government hospitals to those injured during the July 2024 movement. The inclusion of a ruling party activist has raised concerns about the transparency of the vetting process.
AI/MR
