Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed has stated that the deaths of those, who acted like “occupation forces” while carrying out massacres against protesters during the mass uprising, have been “settled on the battlefield.”
He made these remarks on Monday afternoon, during a question-and-answer session in the first session of Parliament in response to a query from Member of Parliament Akhtar Hossain.
Addressing claims made by “Awami fascist groups” on social media regarding the trial of all July killings during the uprising, the home minister drew a parallel with the Liberation War of 1971.
He said if someone were to bring a case now against the freedom fighters for killing Razakars in 1971, it would be comparable to the current demands.
He explained that during the mass uprising, some individuals who launched attacks against the movement’s participants may have lost their lives or been injured, but such matters were decided on the field of conflict.
Legal protection for July warriors
Salahuddin confirmed that the government is committed to providing legal and constitutional protection to those involved in the uprising, as pledged in the “July Charter.”
To this end, the “July Warrior Protection Ordinance” was issued during the tenure of the previous interim government. This ordinance is among 133 presented to the Jatiya Sangsad, and a special parliamentary committee has been formed to scrutinise these ordinances and provide a report.
Salahuddin noted that discussions were held on 2 April regarding the committee’s findings, and there is a consensus to present and pass the July Warrior Protection Ordinance as a Bill in Parliament.
He also highlighted that verdicts against “fascist” Sheikh Hasina and several of her associates, including the former home minister, have already been announced and broadcast live to the nation.
Salahuddin reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the rule of law, stating that the International Crimes Tribunal and other courts will function independently without any interference.
He added that all enforced disappearances, murders, and acts of genocide in the country will be tried.
Police reform and modernisation
Salahuddin outlined extensive plans to transform the police into a disciplined force capable of ensuring public safety through technology-dependent long-term, medium-term, and short-term strategic plans.
These initiatives include ongoing advanced training for police personnel both at home and abroad, the addition of modern training centres, vehicles, and equipment, and the use of scientific methods for crime detection.
The government is installing CCTV cameras in key locations and using information technology to bring offenders to justice.
The Crime Data Management System (CDMS) is now being used to store information on crimes and offenders to assist in monitoring investigations, while the launch of online General Diaries and online police clearance services aims to modernise public interactions with the force.
