Crimes under Sheikh Hasina worse than 1971: Asif Nazrul

Law Adviser Dr Asif Nazrul has made a controversial comparison, stating that the crimes committed Sheikh Hasina’s administration surpass even those perpetrated by the Pakistani military during the Liberation War of 1971.

Speaking at a discussion and exhibition focused on the recent killings during the July mass uprising on Tuesday, Nazrul condemned the government’s actions as "unprecedented in brutality."

“Burning bodies, shooting the wounded, killing unarmed civilians—these are acts we associate with March 25, 1971. Yes, horrific things happened that night, but they were done by a foreign occupying force. By then, we had already declared independence,” he said.

Nazrul emphasized the difference in historical context between the atrocities of 1971 and recent state actions in 2024.

“I haven’t seen any footage from 1971 showing corpses being burned or wounded people being executed while being carried by others. There may have been other forms of brutality, but not like this,” he stated.

The professor went on to express confidence that justice would be served for the July–August 2024 killings.

“There’s no need for despair. The desired verdict will be delivered under this government’s tenure,” he assured the audience.

Nazrul also vowed that strong documentation and evidence would ensure accountability, regardless of future political changes.

“I don’t believe any future government, even if led by BNP or Jamaat, will neglect this trial. They, too, are victims of state persecution,” he added.