Dhaka: Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed on Monday affirmed the government’s commitment to providing legal and constitutional protection for individuals involved in the July uprising, as articulated in the July National Charter. He emphasized this during a session in parliament, highlighting the steps taken to formalize the July War Protection Ordinance initially issued by the previous interim government.
According to United News of Bangladesh, the ordinance, which was presented in Parliament, has now received unanimous agreement from the current government to be enacted as a formal bill. Addressing criticisms circulating on social media, the Home Minister warned that demands made by what he termed the ‘Awami fascist group’ for justice in historical killings could potentially instigate legal complications for freedom fighters. Such legal actions might challenge the fighters’ actions during the Liberation War, including the killing of Razakars.
Referring to the events of the July mass uprising, Ahmed stated that those who attacked protesters in a manner akin to occupying forces faced public resistance, leading to casualties and injuries. He described these incidents as battlefield decisions, reiterating that the ordinance aims to provide protection for the July fighters.
He revealed that specific cases concerning killings by police have been filed, with some undergoing trials in the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) and others under the general penal code. Investigations continue as several charge sheets have already been filed. Additionally, the minister noted that verdicts in two cases against Sheikh Hasina and some associates, including a former Home Minister, have been delivered, with proceedings broadcast live.
The Home Minister assured that the judiciary would function independently, without government interference in legal matters. His comments came during a parliamentary question-answer session in response to concerns raised by NCP MP from Rangpur, Akter Hossain. Hossain expressed worries about alleged police misconduct over the past 16 years, accusing some officers of acting outside the law, particularly during July, by engaging in killings and torture independently.
Hossain questioned whether the Ministry of Home Affairs would pursue departmental action against such officers in addition to judicial proceedings. He also inquired about the ministry’s plans to address ongoing unrest allegedly fuelled by the Awami League through narratives centered on ‘police killings.’