The government is likely to approve an ordinance granting indemnity to participants of the July mass uprising, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed said on Tuesday.
Speaking to journalists before attending a meeting of a special parliamentary committee at the Parliament building, the minister said the decision would reflect public expectations and the spirit of the movement.
“We will uphold the aspirations of the people and the July student movement,” he said, adding that the ordinance recognises those who led and took part in the uprising as “July fighters” and includes provisions for their indemnity.
The special committee convened at 11am to review a total of 133 ordinances issued during the interim government period.
Among them are measures to revoke the naming of various institutions after political leaders under the previous administration.
Salahuddin said the committee would examine which ordinances could be adopted as they stand, which require amendments, and which may need further review.
“We have a constitutional obligation to settle these within 30 days, but much of that time has already passed,” he noted, referring to the current parliamentary session that began on 29 March. The next session is scheduled for 29 March.
The committee has been tasked with submitting its report to Parliament by 2 April. The ordinances were placed before Parliament during its first session by Law Minister Asaduzzaman Khan and later referred to the special committee for scrutiny.
The committee is chaired by Zainul Abedin and comprises members from both the treasury and opposition benches.
