Dr Asif Nazrul, Adviser to the Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, and the Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment, has said the trial of fascists will be completed before the upcoming national election.
Speaking at the premiere screening of the documentary Shrabon Bidroho (July Uprising) at the National Museum auditorium in Shahbagh on Monday (7 July), Dr Nazrul said, “There are many questions about the justice system today. But I can say with certainty that the judiciary is now functioning at full speed. We are committed to delivering fair and credible justice. The people should not despair.”
The documentary, directed by Arifur Rahman, centres on the mass uprising of students and citizens in July 2024.
Dr Nazrul added, “When we assumed power, we made a vow—to ensure justice, implement reforms, rehabilitate the families of martyrs, and guarantee free and fair elections.”
He accused members of Sheikh Hasina’s fascist party of attempting to obstruct justice by spending thousands of crores of taka and misleading international observers. “But we are determined to ensure the highest standard of impartial trials,” he said.
“I firmly believe that Bangladesh’s ‘July’ will never be forgotten,” he said. “We owe a debt to the martyrs—and we will fulfil that responsibility.”
Information Adviser Md Mahfuz Alam said, “Over the last 16 years, thousands of people have been victims of enforced disappearance, murder, persecution, and torture in Bangladesh. After enduring such a long dark chapter, we have finally uprooted the fascists. Now it is time to honour the martyrs and preserve their sacrifices in history.”
“We will remember our martyrs not just in July, but every month,” he added. “This is not a battle of one or two years—it is a struggle spanning decades.”
Cultural Affairs Adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki remarked that the July uprising was not just a 36-day movement, but a continuation of a 54-year struggle. “Though Bangladesh became independent, true freedom did not last long,” he said.
Farooki also noted, “I have spoken to many families of the martyrs. They all say the same thing—‘We no longer want to live under anyone’s dominance.’ That was the spirit that powered the July uprising.”
Adilur Rahman Khan, Adviser to the Ministries of Housing and Public Works, and Industries, said, “Fascism keeps trying to return. We must break the culture of impunity to ensure future generations do not face such dark times again.”
Md Mokbul Hossain, father of slain protester Abu Sayeed, said, “It’s been a year, but we still haven’t received justice for my son. We want a speedy trial so that the souls of the martyrs may finally rest in peace.”
The event was presided over by Information and Broadcasting Secretary Mahbuba Farzana, with attendance from senior officials of various ministries, journalists, cultural figures, and members of civil society.
Faruk Wasif, Director General of the Press Institute of Bangladesh (PIB), moderated the discussion. The documentary was produced by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.