Only 55 charge sheets filed out of 1,760 July Uprising cases: IGP Baharul

The police have so far filed charge sheets in only 55 of the 1,760 cases lodged in connection with the July Uprising, with all remaining cases still under investigation.

Inspector General of Police (IGP) Baharul Alam disclosed the information today (30 September) during a press conference at Police Headquarters on "Security and Law and Order Arrangements for Sharadiya Durga Puja."

Of the total cases, 766 are murder cases, while 974 fall under other sections of law. Among the 55 charge sheets submitted, 18 involve murder, accusing 1,941 individuals. The remaining 37 charge sheets, filed under other legal provisions, name 2,185 accused. 

The murder cases were registered in Dhaka, Chattogram, Sherpur, Feni, Chandpur, Noakhali, Pabna, Kurigram, Bogura and Rajshahi Metropolitan Police areas. The other cases were filed in Bogura, Chapainawabganj, Sirajganj, Naogaon, Mymensingh, Rajshahi, Narsingdi and Barguna.

The IGP noted that 136 individuals had already been discharged by courts under Section 173-A of the Code of Criminal Procedure, based on police reports. Applications from a further 236 individuals, believed to be innocent, are under consideration.

"Legally, we do not have any opportunity to vet or scrutinise the cases filed in connection with the July Uprising," the IGP said. "The law does not grant us that authority, although the government is attempting some amendments to the CrPC to see if the power to vet cases before they are filed can be granted."

He explained that Section 173-A, drafted by the Ministry of Law, allows those who believe themselves wrongfully accused to apply to their District Superintendent of Police. If satisfied, the SP may recommend discharge to the court before a charge sheet is filed.

"Through you, I appeal to all those who are innocent and wrongfully accused to submit your applications. We will consider these cases under Section 173-A and send them to the court so that they can be relieved of this harassment immediately," the IGP urged.

He further stressed that investigations are being overseen by senior officers, with mentoring support for junior investigators to ensure proper handling of these serious cases.

At the press conference, the IGP said, "After the July–August movement, the police were in a fragile state, and bringing them to the current state was a major challenge. We want to create at least a neutral and festive environment during the elections. I believe we can achieve that with the capabilities we have. We will move forward facing these challenges and succeed."

When asked whether any force could emerge as a challenge in the elections, Baharul Alam said, "I cannot say that right now. There are many individuals, parties, and groups here. Those who are defeated fascists certainly form a party. The members and supporters of this party naturally represent an opposing force.