Innocent people implicated in several July movement cases: Home Affairs adviser

Home Affairs Adviser Md. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury has acknowledged that a number of innocent individuals have been named as accused in several cases filed over killings that occurred during the July Movement.

He stated that while charge sheets have been submitted and trials are underway in some cases, in others, although only 20 people were originally meant to be charged, as many as 200 individuals have been implicated.

“This has created complexities in the investigation process,” he said, adding, “We are aware of the issue and taking steps to ensure that no innocent person is subjected to harassment.”

He made these remarks on Sunday, July 27, while speaking at a program held to inaugurate a memorial monument in South Courtgaon, Munshiganj, built in remembrance of those who were martyred in the July Movement.

The adviser acknowledged that although the justice process for the killings during the July Movement has not progressed as much as it ideally should have, the legal proceedings are nonetheless advancing.

“The families of the martyrs will certainly receive justice,” he assured.

He further noted that a variety of initiatives have been taken to honor the martyrs of the July Movement, and the newly unveiled monument will serve as a lasting tribute to their sacrifice.

Also present at the event was Adilur Rahman Khan, Adviser for Housing, Public Works, and Industries. He said that the ongoing efforts are shaped by the significant political shift that occurred fifteen and a half years ago with the fall of fascism at Ganabhaban.

“The July martyrs fought for a cause, and we continue to work toward the liberation of the people of Bangladesh,” he added.

However, Adviser Adilur Rahman also disclosed that the housing project proposed for the July Movement martyrs and the injured has not been approved due to growing controversy.

“Since questions have been raised about various irregularities, the plan will now be reconsidered,” he said.

Other dignitaries present at the event included DIG of Dhaka Range Rezaul Karim Mallik, Deputy Commissioner Fatema Tuz Zohra Jannat, Superintendent of Police Shamsul Alam Sarkar, and Sadar Upazila Executive Officer Mahbubur Rahman, among others.