Professor Asif Nazrul, Legal Adviser to the interim government, has said that there is no negligence on the part of the interim administration or the Ministry of Law regarding the prosecution of the July massacre.
He asserted that justice will be served within the tenure of the current government, and that the families of the martyrs will see accountability.
Speaking at a seminar titled “Justice for the July Carnage: Discussion and Documentary Screening” held Tuesday at the Judicial Administration Training Institute in Dhaka, he explained that the trial is deliberately being kept transparent, which is why it is taking time. The event was organized by the Ministry of Law, Justice, and Parliamentary Affairs as part of the July Uprising commemorations.
“Everyone wants a timeframe for the verdict, but publicizing such a deadline could give the opposition a tactical advantage,” said Nazrul.
He harshly criticized the Awami League, claiming that its leaders show no remorse over the July events. Referring to alleged audio recordings, Nazrul said, “Listening to Sheikh Hasina’s audio clips, it is evident that she still harbors intentions of vengeance and repression.”
He went on to make a controversial comparison: “The crimes committed by Sheikh Hasina and her associates are, in my view, even more brutal than what the Pakistani army did in 1971. Burning dead bodies, shooting injured civilians—these are atrocities unseen even in wartime,” Nazrul claimed.
He stressed that his team is ensuring the collection and preservation of irrefutable evidence so that no future government can reverse the course of justice. “If the foundations of this trial are strong, no government will be able to deny it,” he added.
The event also saw expressions of frustration from families of July martyrs over the police’s continued involvement in the investigation. In response, Nazrul defended the inclusion of law enforcement as necessary for maintaining the system, but assured that notorious officers known for abuse are being held accountable.
Speakers at the event included Environment Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Chief Prosecutor of the International Crimes Tribunal Mohammad Tajul Islam, journalist Mahmudur Rahman, and family members of July martyrs such as Mohammad Mahiuddin and Mir Mostafizur Rahman.
A documentary titled “Trial of July Carnage” was screened during the program. Prayers were also offered for those killed during the July Uprising and the plane crash at Milestone School & College. Law and Justice Secretary Sheikh Abu Taher delivered the welcome remarks.
