Law Adviser Asif Nazrul on Monday said the trial of the July mass killings is moving forward swiftly and is expected to conclude under the current government.
“I want to assure you that the trial is moving ahead in full swing. There will be no negligence, and we firmly believe that justice will be served under this government,” he said.
The adviser made these remarks while addressing a programme after the inauguration of the “July Martyrs Monument”, built in remembrance of those killed during the July uprising in Narayanganj.
“Cases have been filed in criminal courts and many of the investigations have made significant progress. We are hopeful that chargesheets will be submitted before August 5. Once submitted, the trials of the accused can be conducted under the Speedy Trial Act, if necessary,” he said.
Highlighting the significance of the July uprising, Asif said, “This uprising brought down 15 and a half years of fascist rule in Bangladesh. The tyrannical regime was uprooted.”
Recalling the Narayanganj incident, the adviser said 56 people were killed and over 350 injured in Narayanganj alone, saying, “We remember the immense sacrifice made by the people of Narayanganj.”
Referring to recent incidents, Asif said, “The law-and-order situation has deteriorated in some areas. Heinous killings and extortion are taking place. But just as you defeated fascist forces through unity in July, that same unity is needed to resist local extortionists. The administration will stand by you.”
Earlier, in the day, the first “July Martyrs Monument”, implemented by the Ministry of Housing and Public Works, was inaugurated in the Hajiganj area of Narayanganj city.