CID confirms identities of eight July martyrs through DNA profiling
The bodies were exhumed from Rayerbazar Graveyard as part of a state-led initiative to identify previously unidentified victims.
The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) today (5 January) released the names and addresses of eight martyrs of the July Uprising after confirming their identities through DNA profiling and forensic examination.
The bodies were exhumed from Rayerbazar Graveyard as part of a state-led initiative to identify previously unidentified victims.
The identified martyrs are: Md Mahin Mia (25), son of Gazi Mamud and Josna Begum of Phulpur village, Phulpur Thana, Mymensingh. He died on 18 July, 2024.
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Asadullah, son of Abdul Malek and Ashea Begum of Srivardi, Sherpur. He died on 19 July, 2024.
Parvez Bepari, son of Sabuj Bepari and Shamsunnahar of Barohatia village, Matlab Thana, Chandpur. He died on 19 July, 2024.
Rafiqul Islam, son of late Abdul Jabbar Sikder of Satkachina village, Nazirpur Thana, Pirojpur. He died on 19 July, 2024.
Sohel Rana, son of Md. Lal Mia and Rasheda Begum of Louhjang, Munshiganj. He died in July 2024.
Rafiqul Islam, son of late Khorshed Alam of Feni Sadar, Feni. He died on 19 July, 2024.
Faisal Sarkar, son of Shafiqul Islam of Kachimara village, Debidwar Thana, Cumilla. He died on 22 July 2024.
Kabil Hossain (58), son of late Bulu Mia and Shamena Begum, a resident of Mugda Thana Lane, Dhaka. He died on 2 August, 2024.
According to the CID, DNA samples collected from nine families, resulting the successful identification of eight martyrs.
The identification process for the remaining bodies is ongoing.
The CID stated that the entire operation was conducted in accordance with the law, human rights principles and international standards, ensuring dignity, transparency and credibility.
The initiative has helped remove uncertainty for families of the missing martyrs while preserving crucial forensic evidence for future judicial proceedings.
Unidentified bodies of several male and female martyrs killed in different parts of Dhaka during the July uprising were initially buried at Rayerbazar Graveyard.
Following a decision by the government, steps were taken to determine their identities.
The Ministry of Liberation War Affairs assigned overall supervision of the programme to the CID of Bangladesh Police.
Internationally renowned forensic expert Dr Morris Tidball-Binz provided training to CID forensic, DNA and medical teams through a two-day workshop.
The exhumation and identification process was carried out under the leadership of another international forensic expert, Dr Luis Fondebrider, with assistance from the UN Human Rights Commission and in line with the Minnesota Protocol.
After obtaining court permission following a General Diary filed with Mohammadpur Police Station, a total of 114 bodies were exhumed, autopsied and sampled for DNA analysis.
A temporary morgue was set up at Rayerbazar Graveyard, where forensic activities were conducted from 7 December to 27 December, 2025.
CID officials said the process of identifying the remaining martyrs will continue until all possible victims are accounted for and returned to their families with dignity.
