Law Adviser Dr Asif Nazrul on Tuesday condemned the brutal actions of state forces during the July uprising, accusing them of shooting injured protesters, burning their bodies, and attacking unarmed civilians.
He said, “The crimes committed by Sheikh Hasina and her associates in Bangladesh are more heinous than those of the Pakistani forces in 1971.”
Asif Nazrul made these remarks at the “July Genocide Trial Discussion and Documentary Exhibition” held at the Judicial Administration Training Institute on Tuesday, July 29.
Organised by the Ministry of Law, Justice, and Parliamentary Affairs, the event ran from 10:30am to 1:00pm. Attendees included Environment Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan, ICT Chief Prosecutor Tajul Islam, Amar Desh editor Mahmudur Rahman, and families of the July uprising martyrs.
Urging public trust in the interim government’s commitment to justice, Asif Nazrul said, “Have faith in us. We take our responsibility seriously – not just to you, but to Allah. Those entrusted with prosecuting these murders will face divine judgment if they fail to deliver justice.”
Addressing the Awami League, he criticized their lack of remorse, saying, “Despite such a massive massacre, they show no regret. For 15 years, they’ve tortured people with lies, and their desire to oppress remains undiminished. Sheikh Hasina’s recent statements reveal her unyielding intent to harm. Any oversight in this trial will be exploited by them.”
Environment Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan emphasised the trial’s transparency, saying, “We are conducting this trial with utmost openness within the judicial system to ensure no criticism can undermine its integrity.”
Reflecting on the death of martyr Yamin, she added, “Yamin’s final moments highlight the kind of country we lived in – one where leaders chose to kill rather than save a wounded citizen.”
Rizwana stressed the need to prioritize the nation over partisan interests, warning, “If we place individual, group, or party interests above the country, this trial will be reduced to a mere formality, and such injustices may recur. Beyond institutional accountability, we must all remain vigilant and work for systemic change.”