A 13-member delegation of July fighters met with the National Consensus Commission today where they called for legal protection and demanded issuance of official identification cards.

During the meeting, held at the LD Hall of the National Parliament, they said that many of them have been unable to receive medical treatment at hospitals since last Eid-ul-Azha even though they possess official health cards.

Commission Vice-Chairman Professor Ali Riaz, members Badiul Alam Majumder, Iftekharuzzaman, Mohammad Ayub Mia, and Chief Adviser's Special Assistant Monir Haider, among others, were present, according to a press release.

The delegation urged the Commission to ensure that the health adviser issues written instructions to all hospitals to guarantee medical care for those injured during the July uprising.

They also highlighted the need for better coordination between the administration and medical institutions so that their healthcare rights are protected.

Regarding the October 17 incident in front of the Parliament -- ahead of the July Charter signing ceremony -- they said it was completely unexpected and explained that they had gathered at the South Plaza [of the Parliament] to present their legitimate demands peacefully.

However, a group of outsiders infiltrated the gathering and became involved in clashes and acts of vandalism, which tarnished the image of the July fighters, they said.

The group claimed to have identified around 20 to 25 such individuals who were responsible for the disorder.

They expressed regret for what happened that day and apologised for the incident. At the same time, they sought the Commission's assistance to have the four cases filed in connection with the incident withdrawn.

In response, the Commission assured them that all their concerns would be taken seriously and conveyed to the relevant authorities for appropriate action.

The thirteen-member delegation of July fighters included Md Sohag Mahmud, Kamrul Hasan, Md Al-Amin, Mustain Billah Habibi, Hasibul Hasan Jisan, Marufa Maya, Ahadul Islam, Majedul Haque Shanto, Md Sagar Uddin, Md Dulal Khan, Md Nahiduzzaman, Imran Khan, and Nusrat Jahan.