Those Responsible for Killings and Torture Must Face Justice: Prime Minister

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has declared that those responsible for the killings and torture during the July uprising will definitely face justice. However, he cautioned that no injustice should be committed in the name of rendering justice.

"We must ensure that we do not follow the path of the autocratic government, which weaponized the judiciary to inflict injustice upon the people," the Prime Minister said while addressing the 'July National Convention' as the chief guest on Saturday (July 4) morning. The convention was organized in memory of the martyrs of the July mass uprising at the Bangabandhu International Conference Centre (BICC) in the capital's Sher-e-Bangla Nagar.

The Prime Minister emphasized that the people took to the streets for the sake of the country. "The achievements of August 5 do not belong to a single political party; rather, it is the achievement of the entire nation. Transcending political identities, everyone participated in the July movement for the country. The state will properly evaluate the sacrifices of those who laid down their lives during the July mass uprising. At the same time, justice will be ensured for the atrocities committed against the martyrs and the injured," he added.

Reflecting on the movement, he noted, "Rakib was there in July, Abid was there, Patwary was there. During those intense days of July, despite numerous hurdles, I was constantly checking on everyone through my party leaders and activists. Many were physically injured during that time."

Addressing the family members of the July martyrs and those injured, the Prime Minister said, "The brothers who were martyred gave their lives for the nation. This state and this country will honor your sacrifice. The injustice and oppression inflicted upon you will be judged. However, we must be careful that no injustice is meted out to anyone in the process of ensuring justice. Surely, our martyred brothers in heaven will not find peace if injustice is done to anyone."

He called upon everyone to remain united, stating, "Those who were martyred gave their lives for the country. The opportunity to rebuild the nation is now before us. We must all work together in unity."

The memorial meeting was jointly organized by the 'July 24 Martyr Family Society' and 'We the July Warriors' to mark the second anniversary of '36 July'. Chaired by the Chief Whip of the National Parliament, Nurul Islam Moni, the event was attended by the family members of those martyred and injured during the July uprising. The program commenced with a one-minute silence in honor of the martyrs.

Members of the cabinet, members of parliament, leaders of various political parties, ambassadors and high commissioners of different countries, senior military and civil officials, and representatives of various professional organizations were also present at the event.