'Don't turn July Uprising into political business', says home minister
“If Sheikh Hasina returns to Bangladesh, she will be arrested in accordance with the law and the judicial process will be followed,” he said.
Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed yesterday (14 July) said the July Uprising belongs to all Bangladeshis and should not be claimed by any individual, political party or group. Speaking in parliament on behalf of the prime minister, he urged political parties not to exploit the uprising for political gain.
"We must uphold the spirit of July; we must not do politics over July. July belongs to all the people of Bangladesh. No one should claim it as their exclusive achievement," he said.
The minister said the government had already announced the July Declaration and made significant progress in drafting the July National Charter through the National Consensus Commission. Representatives of 30 political parties joined the discussions, while 26 have signed the proposed charter.
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On the July killings, he said the government had amended the law to enable the trial of the Awami League as a political party. Hundreds of cases are pending before the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT), while investigations into 12 more have been completed and are awaiting charge framing.
The minister said legal protection for July fighters had already been enacted into law, while the proposed national charter includes safeguards for the families of those killed and injured.
He also announced that the July Memorial Museum will be inaugurated on 5 August by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.
Salahuddin said families of those killed are receiving a one-time grant of Tk3 million and a monthly allowance of Tk20,000, while injured victims are being provided financial assistance based on three categories. Those requiring advanced treatment abroad will receive government support. He added that the July Foundation would be strengthened rather than abolished.
Calling on the opposition to join the constitutional reform process, he said the proposed amendments aim to strengthen democracy, ensure judicial independence and prevent the return of fascism. He also reiterated the government's commitment to media freedom, saying freedom of expression is constitutionally guaranteed.
On the extradition of ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina, Salahuddin said the government was continuing communication with the relevant country under the extradition treaty.
"If Sheikh Hasina returns to Bangladesh, she will be arrested in accordance with the law and the judicial process will be followed," he said. He added that the necessary documents had also been sent to facilitate the return of former inspector general of police Benazir Ahmed.
Concluding his speech, the minister said, "The spirit of 1971 was exploited for political business. We must not repeat the same mistake with July. We will uphold July, but we will not do business with it."
