July genocide trial proceedings to end before next polls: Asif Nazrul

The trial proceedings for the "July genocide" are expected to conclude in the trial court before the next national election since the government is committed to ensuring justice in the brutal killings of students and civilians, Law Adviser Dr Asif Nazrul today said today (15 January).

"Though this is a matter of the court, we hope and believe that at the speed we are moving forward, Insha Allah, we will be able to complete at least the trial proceedings in the trial court before the next polls," he told a press briefing at the Foreign Service Academy.

Replying to a question over the killings during July-August uprising, Dr Asif Nazrul said the trial proceedings are going smoothly as there is no negligence from any part here.
 
"Our pledge and commitment to you that our government will definitely try the brutal and inhumane genocide that took place in Bangladesh," he said.

The law adviser said the government is mainly giving importance to the International Crime Tribunal (ICT) as it has a larger involvement with the trials. 

Noting that the investigation works in the killing cases continue fast, he said it is expected that the hearings of the cases will start in March.

Environment, Forest and Climate Change Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Local Government Adviser Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuyain and Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam also spoke at the event.

'Failing justice for July killings means we have no right to exist': Asif Nazrul 

Earlier in the day, speaking at a seminar titled "The July Revolution: Evidence of Atrocities" held at Bangla Academy, Adviser Nazrul stated, "If we fail to ensure justice for the July killings, we have no right to exist." 

Addressing the victims' families, he expressed his deep anguish over the July atrocities, stating, "When I see the images of brutality, it feels like we lose our right to live if we cannot ensure justice for these murders." 

He reassured them, "Just as you cry over these images, so do we. It's heartbreaking to know such a monstrous figure could rise in Bangladesh, enabling such inhumane killings."

Nazrul pledged justice, emphasising the government's duty to deliver it. "I wish trials could happen immediately, but judicial processes take time. Unlike Sheikh Hasina's approach, ours will be different, and we must ensure that difference is clear." 

He stressed the importance of reforms to prevent future rulers from becoming ruthless.

Chief Prosecutor Tazul Islam highlighted ongoing efforts to identify those responsible for the July-August atrocities and ensure the tribunal remains untainted. 

He appealed for patience, saying, "The families of the martyrs are pressing for swift trials, but we will not succumb to pressure. Delays will be reasonable as we remain committed to delivering justice properly."