A Dhaka court has ordered the exhumation of 114 bodies buried as unidentified victims of last year’s Anti-Discrimination Student Movement.
The decision aims to confirm the identities of the deceased and facilitate necessary legal proceedings.
Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Mohammad Mustafizur Rahman issued the order on Monday following a petition filed by Mohammadpur Police Sub-Inspector Md Mahidul Islam. The court also directed the Dhaka district magistrate to appoint an executive magistrate and ensure necessary arrangements.
Additional Public Prosecutor Md Shamsuddoha Suman said the victims, previously buried at the Rayer Bazar graveyard without formal identification, are believed to have been involved in demonstrations during the anti-discrimination student movement.
DNA testing and other forensic procedures will be used to establish identities, he said adding that once identities are confirmed, the bodies could be formally handed over to families based on legal procedure.
Meanwhile, the court directive comes amid growing pressure from families and rights groups demanding accountability for the deaths during the crackdown on student-led protests.
