[🇧🇩] July uprising

[Saif]

Salahuddin cites Liberation War to defend indemnity for July Uprising leaders

Home minister argues wartime and uprising actions should not always be treated as human rights violations

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Salahuddin cites Liberation War to defend indemnity for July Uprising leaders

Home minister argues wartime and uprising actions should not always be treated as human rights violations

Star Online Report

Photo: Screengrab

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed has said that actions taken during wars and uprisings cannot always be judged strictly as human rights violations, citing both the 1971 Liberation War and the 2024 mass uprising.

“Did human rights violations not occur at the hands of freedom fighters during the Liberation War? Yes, it happened,” he remarked. “Everything is said to be fair in love and war, and now people say everything is fair in politics as well.”

Speaking at a dialogue, titled “National Human Rights Commission Ordinance 2025: Expectations from the New Parliament,” at the Bangladesh‑China Friendship Conference Center in Dhaka's Agargaon, Salahuddin said questions are being raised about whether leaders of the July uprising should face legal cases.

He stressed that they were granted indemnity under the July National Charter and that the government must remain committed to that decision.

He argued that if actions during the uprising are treated strictly as human rights violations, similar arguments could be raised about freedom fighters’ actions against collaborators in 1971. “If that logic is applied, then cases could also be filed against freedom fighters for killing their enemies during the war,” he said.

The minister added that his party is committed to protecting human rights, noting that fundamental rights are enshrined in the Constitution and included in BNP’s manifesto and 31‑point reform plan.

He acknowledged, however, that the Human Rights Commission Ordinance may require amendments when presented as a bill in the parliament.

Salahuddin explained that parliament must decide on ordinances within 30 days of a session, but the timeline is challenging due to national holidays.

He said not all of the 133 ordinances can be reviewed within the deadline, and some may lapse automatically before being reintroduced as bills.

He also addressed the law on enforced disappearances, saying its intention is good but some provisions, particularly those on superior liability, need further scrutiny.

Bangladesh, he said, aims to meet international human rights standards but must move gradually, considering social, cultural, and political realities.

The minister emphasised the need to balance human rights protections with state responsibilities, including the role of defence forces in safeguarding sovereignty.​

 

[Saif]

Parliamentary committee agrees on indemnity for July Uprising participants

A special committee of the Jatiya Sangsad (national parliament) has begun reviewing 133 ordinances issued during the tenure of the interim government. At its first meeting held today, Tuesday at the parliament building, the committee discussed 40 ordinances. The committee reached a consensus...

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Parliamentary committee agrees on indemnity for July Uprising participants

Staff Correspondent
Dhaka
Published: 24 Mar 2026, 19: 45

A special committee of the Jatiya Sangsad has begun reviewing 133 ordinances issued during the tenure of the interim government. The committee convened its first meeting on 24 March 2026. Parliament secretariat

A special committee of the Jatiya Sangsad (national parliament) has begun reviewing 133 ordinances issued during the tenure of the interim government.

At its first meeting held today, Tuesday at the parliament building, the committee discussed 40 ordinances.

The committee reached a consensus on the “July Mass Uprising (Protection and Determination of Liability) Ordinance-2026,” which grants indemnity to participants of the July uprising. The special committee will recommend it for approval in parliament.

The ordinances issued during the interim government were placed at the first sitting of the first session of the 13th parliament. On the same day, a special committee was formed to review them, and it was asked to submit its report to parliament by 2 April. The committee will meet again tomorrow, Wednesday to continue the review.

After the meeting, committee chairman Zainul Abedin told journalists that less than half of the ordinances had been examined so far. Some members expressed differing views on certain issues, which will be discussed in the next meeting or submitted in writing if necessary.

He added that the committee will reconvene at 2:00 pm tomorrow and may hold additional meetings if all reviews are not completed. They hope to submit the report within the 2 April deadline.

Later, Zainul Abedin said about 40 ordinances had been discussed, but some required further clarification and were therefore kept pending for future discussion.

Seven ordinances related to the Ministry of Home Affairs were also discussed. Leaving the meeting midway, Home Minister and committee member Salahuddin Ahmed said it would not be possible to decide on all 133 ordinances in a single meeting, and several more sessions would be required.

Responding to journalists, he said consensus had been reached on many issues, including full agreement on the “July indemnity.” Any amendments, if needed, could be introduced later.

Law Minister Asaduzzaman said discussions were ongoing and it was too early to specify how many ordinances had reached consensus. Details would be disclosed once the report is published.

On whether the constitution or the aspirations of the July uprising should take precedence in case of conflict, the law minister said they aim to harmonise both, though the constitution must remain paramount.

After the meeting, opposition lawmaker from Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, Rafiqul Islam Khan, said they agreed with the provisions ensuring protection for July participants. He added that most of the ordinances discussed would be recommended to parliament.

However, he said that in case of a conflict between the constitution and the aspirations of July, priority should be given to the latter.

“The constitution is for the people, not the people for the constitution,” he said, adding that changes could be made if necessary to uphold the spirit of July.

Meeting sources said that on the first day, ordinances related to various ministries—including the Cabinet Division, Prime Minister’s Office, Ministry of Public Administration, Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of Land, Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Ministry of Women and Children Affairs, Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism, Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, Ministry of Cultural Affairs, Ministry of Youth and Sports, Ministry of Science and Technology, and Ministry of Housing and Public Works—were discussed. However, no final decisions were reached on all of them.

Committee member Gazi Nazrul Islam said discussions included keeping some ordinances unchanged, amending others, and making changes where necessary. He added that a proposal was made to raise the maximum age limit for entry into government jobs to 33–35 years, but the committee agreed to keep it at 32.

The committee also agreed to keep the “July Mass Uprising Memorial Museum Ordinance-2025” unchanged.

The meeting, chaired by Zainul Abedin, was held at the cabinet room of the parliament building and attended by members including Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed, Chief Whip Nurul Islam, Law Minister Asaduzzaman, Muhammad Osman Faruk, AM Mahbub Uddin, State Minister for Public Administration Abdul Bari, Muhammad Naushad Zamir, State Minister for Social Welfare Farzana Sharmin, Mujibur Rahman, Rafiqul Islam Khan, and GM Nazrul Islam.​

 

[Saif]

Independence came once and for all in 1971: Ahmed Azam Khan

Liberation War Affairs Minister Ahmed Azam Khan has warned that equating the 2024 mass uprising with the nation's independence would lead to a "major disaster", asserting that Bangladesh’s sovereignty was achieved only once and that was in 1971. Speaking at a reception for freedom fighters o

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Independence came once and for all in 1971: Ahmed Azam Khan

Published :
Mar 28, 2026 20:04
Updated :
Mar 28, 2026 20:04

Liberation War Affairs Minister Ahmed Azam Khan has warned that equating the 2024 mass uprising with the nation's independence would lead to a "major disaster", asserting that Bangladesh’s sovereignty was achieved only once and that was in 1971.

Speaking at a reception for freedom fighters organised by the Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) to mark Independence Day on Saturday, the minister underscored the distinction between political achievements and the birth of the state, bdnews24.com reports.

"Independence came to Bangladesh only once. It did not come before, and it will not come again," Azam said.

He noted that the 1990 mass uprising successfully toppled autocracy, while the 2024 student-led movement ousted fascism.

"These are undoubtedly great political achievements in an independent country, and we respect them. If we put these achievements on the same level as our Independence, it will be the cause of a major disaster for us," the minister said.

He questioned the historical accuracy of the martyrs figures released shortly after the war ended in 1971.

"It is a much-discussed issue. How did a list of martyrs from a nine-month war appear suddenly just 23 days after independence without any survey or data, abruptly claiming 3 million?" he asked.

Azam identified the preparation of authentic lists as a primary goal for his ministry, including verifying the actual number of 1971 martyrs, removing "fake" claimants from the freedom fighters' list, and creating a definitive record of collaborators such as the Razakar, Al-Badr, and Al-Shams.

The minister further informed the gathering that the government is considering enhanced housing, increased allowances, and free medical treatment for genuine freedom fighters.​

 

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July attackers to be tried regardless of uniform, home minister tells JS

Home minister Salahuddin Ahmed on Monday stated that those who had carried out armed attacks against activists during the July mass uprising were criminals, regardless of the uniform they wore, assuring that all related cases would be thoroughly investigated.

www.newagebd.net

July attackers to be tried regardless of uniform, home minister tells JS
Staff Correspondent 31 March, 2026, 00:23

Home minister Salahuddin Ahmed. | BSS Photo

Home minister Salahuddin Ahmed on Monday stated that those who had carried out armed attacks against activists during the July mass uprising were criminals, regardless of the uniform they wore, assuring that all related cases would be thoroughly investigated.

He also confirmed that the July fighters would receive legal protection.

The remarks came in response to two separate supplementary questions at the Jatiya Sangsad.

Answering a question from BNP lawmaker Zainul Abedin Farroque, the home minister said that those who attacked July fighters or ordinary citizens, whether they were in any official uniform or affiliated with Juba League or Chhatra League, were all criminals.

‘Cases have already been filed against them. If not, you may file cases, and all will be properly investigated. The judiciary is responsible for delivering justice,’ Salahuddin said.

NCP lawmaker Akhtar Hossen inquired if the home ministry would take departmental action against police officers involved in killings and torture over the past 16 years, especially during the July Uprising, in addition to judicial proceedings.

He also claimed that the Awami League was committing police killings to create disorder.

In response, Salahuddin said that July fighters were legally and constitutionally protected under the July National Charter.

The interim government, he said, had issued an ordinance to safeguard them, which has been submitted to the Jatiya Sangsad and is expected to be passed as a bill with broad agreement.

‘The Awami fascist groups are calling for justice for killings on social media. As I mentioned earlier, if that is applied, then freedom fighters would also have to be tried for actions against Razakars if a case is filed today,’ home minister said.

Regarding justice over police killings during the July uprising, he said that the matter was effectively settled on the battlefield.

‘Some cases are being tried at the International Crimes Tribunal, while others are under the Penal Code in regular courts. Investigations are going on, and some charge sheets have already been submitted,’ Salahuddin further said.

Responding to a supplementary question from Brahmanbaria-2 independent legislator Rumeen Farhana, the home minister assured that no kind of mob culture would remain in Bangladesh under the current administration.Diaspora community news

The home minister stressed the importance of distinguishing between spontaneous ‘mob’ actions and organised, premeditated crimes, such as attacks on police stations or commercial centres, which required targeted investigations, arrests, and trials.

He criticised the previous use of highway blockades to press demands, attributing it to weaknesses of the interim government.

Reaffirming the government’s approach, Salahuddin said that the current government, in office for less than 45 days, would not tolerate mob culture.

Meanwhile, Cumilla-4 lawmaker Hasnat Abdullah raised concerns over financial difficulties faced by grassroots police officers, pointing out that investigation costs were often not provided by police stations.

This shortfall, he said, has created a ‘manage it’ culture, where officers might turn to local businessmen or other sources to cover operational expenses, including for events such as the March 26 programme.

Responding, the home minister acknowledged the need for greater resources and a proper budget to maintain an efficient and corruption-free police force.

He said that he would propose a budget increase through the finance minister and prime minister, emphasising the government’s commitment to transparency and accountability despite current economic constraints.​

 

[Saif]

When rape is not 'just' a crime

A spate of horrifying incidents involving the rape of children has sent shockwaves across the nation. The headlines are relentless and deeply disturbing: a child found in a jungle with her throat slit after a brutal rape; a ten-year-old flower seller assaulted in Dhaka; and reports indicating that

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Highlighting the brave daughters of July uprising

Fahim Faisal
Published :
Apr 03, 2026 00:29
Updated :
Apr 03, 2026 00:29

The July Revolution of 2024 will forever be remembered as a turning point in Bangladesh’s history. It’s a time when ordinary citizens rose with extraordinary courage to reclaim their voice and destiny. Among those at the forefront were the women of this nation, brave and unyielding, driven by a deep love for justice. Their stories are the heartbeat of this revolution, yet too often, their sacrifices have remained in the shadows.

Brave Daughters of Historic July Revolution, written by Md. Shakhawat Hossain, a UC Berkeley Visiting Scholar, brings those stories to light with tenderness and truth. This book is more than a historical record. It is a tribute to the women who defied fear, carried the wounded, raised their voices when silence was safer, and stood guard over the dreams of a nation in turmoil.

This compilation of historic documents, testimonies, and reflections captures the spirit of women whose bravery, sacrifice, and resilience shaped the movement’s heart. Through chapters exploring their leadership, resistance, grief, and enduring quest for justice, the book powerfully reminds us that the revolution’s triumphs were deeply intertwined with women’s struggles.

Through its pages, we meet women from all walks of life: students and journalists, garment workers and mothers, singers and actresses, each bound by an unbreakable spirit of resistance.

They were the faces in the crowd, the voices behind the microphones, the hands that lifted banners high, and the hearts that refused to surrender. These stories remind us that revolutions are not only fought on the streets but also carried in the hearts of those who dare to believe in change.

The July uprising, a watershed moment in the nation’s history, will be remembered not only for its political ramifications but also for the powerful, defining role of women, particularly mothers and daughters. Their collective action, a blend of seasoned wisdom and youthful idealism, became the uprising’s driving force, shaping its character and outcome. This movement stands in stark contrast to the mass uprisings of 1969 and 1990, distinguished by its methods, inclusivity, and deeply personal yet profoundly political motivations.

The synergy between mother and daughter was perhaps the most potent weapon of the July uprising. In countless instances, a mother’s experience tempered a daughter’s impulsiveness, while a daughter’s technological prowess amplified a mother’s organisational efforts. They marched side by side, a physical embodiment of the intergenerational struggle for a better future. This partnership was not merely logistical; it was deeply emotional. The shared experience of protest forged new bonds of respect and understanding across generations, breaking down traditional patriarchal structures within the family unit.

So, the July uprising stands in sharp contrast to the mass uprisings of 1969 and 1990. The 1969 uprising, while successful in its immediate goal of toppling a dictator, was largely a male-dominated affair. The narrative of heroism and sacrifice was almost exclusively centred on male student leaders and political activists. Women’s roles, though present, were relegated to the background — largely undocumented and uncelebrated. These movements’ ideology was also more rigidly hierarchical and driven by established political parties.

May this book stand as a living memory of their courage, their pain, and their hope for a Bangladesh that continues to rise on the strength of its brave daughters.

The writer is an under-graduate student at Melbourne Institute of Technology (MIT), Australia.​

 

[Saif]

Prof Yunus went to London and handed over the ‘trophy’ of the July movement to BNP: State Minister

State Minister for Local Government Mir Shahe Alam has portrayed BNP as the victorious party in the country’s major movements and struggle

en.prothomalo.com

Prof Yunus went to London and handed over the ‘trophy’ of the July movement to BNP: State Minister

Staff Correspondent
Dhaka
Published: 07 Apr 2026, 18: 48

Mir Shahe Alam speaks in the parliament----Taken from video

State Minister for Local Government Mir Shahe Alam has portrayed BNP as the victorious party in the country’s major movements and struggles. He said that the “trophies” of three movements—1971, 1990, and 2024—belong to BNP. Among them, the “trophy” of the July 2024 movement was taken to London and handed over to BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman.

He made these remarks today, Tuesday, while participating in the discussion on the President’s speech in the National Parliament. The session began at 10:30 am under the chairmanship of Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed.

Mir Shahe Alam, elected from Bogura, highlighted BNP’s contributions to various movements, saying, “The trophies of the 1971, 1990, and July–August movements are all in our house. Only BNP has such trophies—no other political party can show this. The Awami League can speak about 1971 and 1990, but they do not have the July–August trophy. Friends in the opposition can talk about July–August, but they cannot speak about 1971 or 1990.”

When opposition members began protesting, the state minister said they might raise slogans about 1990, but in the 1986 election, they themselves had joined the polls alongside the Awami League with much fanfare.

In the 13th parliamentary election, BNP won and formed the government. Jamaat-e-Islami and the National Citizen Party (NCP), formed by young activists who were at the forefront of the July uprising, took seats as the opposition in parliament. The two parties had contested the election as part of the same alliance.

The state minister said that an NCP leader had earlier remarked outside, “Students and the public played in the July movement, but BNP took the trophy.”

As opposition MPs continued their protests, the Speaker requested that Shah Alam refrain from continuing his remarks.

At that point, opposition leader and Jamaat Ameer Shafiqur Rahman termed parts of the minister’s statements “untrue” and called for them to be expunged from the parliamentary record.

In response, the state minister said, “In the July–August movement, all of us stood with the students and the people. We did not go to anyone to take the trophy. Who was the captain? The head of the interim government, Dr Muhammad Yunus, was the captain. That is why he went to London, met our captain—Prime Minister Tarique Rahman—and fixed the election date. This proves which party and which leader played the main role in leading the student–people’s movement.”

He further added, “We all took part in the movement—there is no denying that. But there is only one captain. Because the head of the interim government went to London, discussed with that captain, and brought back the election date, a free and fair election was held in this country.”

Addressing Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed, a decorated freedom fighter, the state minister said, “Some people here may like seeing you, others may not. But you represent 1971. That credit goes to BNP, because President Shaheed Ziaur Rahman declared independence.”

At this point, Shahe Alam mentioned several names from the treasury benches, saying such figures could not be found among the opposition benches. Opposition members again protested loudly.

The Speaker then said, “There are freedom fighters on the opposition benches as well. I have seen it myself—Gazi Nazrul Islam (Satkhira-3) is a freedom fighter.”

Turning to Jamaat, the state minister said, “Begum Khaleda Zia honored them before the nation by allowing opposition MPs to use the national flag on their cars, effectively giving them indemnity and making them part of the government. Yet they never mention this.”

In 2001, during the BNP-led four-party alliance government, Jamaat’s then Ameer Matiur Rahman Nizami and Secretary General Ali Ahsan Mohammad Mujahid were made ministers. Both were later convicted of war crimes related to 1971 during the Awami League government and were executed.

BNP MP Shah Alam said, “After 2014, you could not be found. For a long time, we were together in the four-party and 20-party alliances. We know each other in many ways—we sat in the same meetings, carried out movements, struggles, and rallies together.

But for some unknown reason, you went underground and reappeared after July–August, now repeatedly invoking July–August to mislead the nation. You want to present July–August in such a way that it seems there was no Liberation War in 1971 or no anti-autocracy movement in 1990.”

Although the state minister claimed Jamaat disappeared after 2014, its leaders—including current opposition leader Shafiqur Rahman—contested the 11th parliamentary election under the BNP-led National Unity Front in 2018. Since Jamaat’s registration had been canceled, they ran under BNP’s “sheaf of paddy” symbol.

Toward the end of his speech, the state minister called for opposition cooperation in running the government, saying, “We want to move the country forward in unity to such a stage that people feel that although BNP and Jamaat, once allies, are now separate, they have internally come together again to take the country to a better, more beautiful place.”

State minister provided untrue information: Opposition leader

After the minister’s speech, opposition leader Shafiqur Rahman took the floor. He said, “From the very first day, we have pledged that this opposition will not be a conventional one. We will cooperate in all just matters and remain uncompromising against injustice and any steps that undermine people’s rights.”

Referring to Shahe Alam’s remarks, he said, “Today, while thanking the President, the honorable member (Mir Shahe Alam) has put us in the dock. Numerous untrue statements have been made here. You (Speaker) yourself have objected to a few. We demand that no one present untrue information in parliament.”

When Shafiqur Rahman called for parts of the minister’s speech to be expunged, the Speaker said, “I will review the statements. If there is anything unparliamentary or false, it will be expunged.”

Later, when Jamaat leader Shahjahan Chowdhury stood to speak, the Speaker urged members to move forward, leaving the past behind. He noted that 50 more hours had been allocated for discussion, where members would have the opportunity to present their arguments and counterarguments.​