National consensus supports indemnity for July fighters: Home minister

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed emphasised that the indemnity granted to the fighters of the July uprising must be respected and maintained nationally. 

He made the remarks at a dialogue titled "National Human Rights Commission Ordinance 2025: Expectations from the New Parliament", organised by Citizens' Platform at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre in Dhaka yesterday.

Addressing recent concerns about whether victims of human rights violations during the uprising have the right to file cases, the minister said, "If any violations occurred at the hands of those involved in the uprising, we cannot straightforwardly classify it as a violation. Our position is clear: we have granted indemnity to the July fighters, and this must be upheld nationally," noting broad national consensus on the matter.

He added that after the fall of fascism, chaos and retaliation were anticipated, prompting consideration of reconciliation inspired by South Africa. "A National Reconciliation Commission must be formed to ensure justice, maintain unity, and establish peace," he said.

Salahuddin also noted technical and legal inconsistencies in the law for the Commission of Inquiry on Enforced Disappearances that require scrutiny. He pointed out that the caretaker government issued over 133 ordinances, some adoptable and others needing extensive discussion. 

"The government and opposition will thoroughly examine each ordinance in parliament. Some may lapse due to time constraints, but will be reintroduced and passed following proper procedures," he said.

Referring to the July uprising, he added, "Prosecuting those who took up arms against oppressors is equivalent to a collaborator filing a case against a freedom fighter. Granting protection or indemnity to the July fighters is a national commitment."

Calls to pass 'Human Rights Commission Ordinance' as law

Debapriya Bhattacharya, Distinguished Fellow at the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD), said the existing Human Rights Commission Ordinance should be passed now, even if considered the "lesser of two evils." He warned that trying to fix all shortcomings immediately could block the law's enactment, though future amendments would remain possible.

Human rights activist Khushi Kabir agreed, stressing that parliament must pass the ordinance to establish a functional Human Rights Commission rather than replicate the ineffective past model. Mahmudur Rahman Manna, president of Nagorik Oikya, said he has not opposed passing the ordinance but does not support enacting it without review.

Other speakers, including Barrister Sara Hossain and Advocate Subrata Chowdhury, also urged its passage. MP Rumin Farhana noted that while all 133 ordinances need not be passed, this one should be.

Zakir Hossain, CEO of Citizens' Initiative, observed that many commissions in Bangladesh, such as the Information Rights Commission, often fail to function. While laws are usually passed quickly, civil society opposition has delayed the anti-discrimination law.

Shamsul Huda, Executive Director of ALRD, said the ordinance should be approved as is, as it empowers the commission, ensures continuity, and strengthens institutions critical for good governance and democratic consolidation.

Chairman of the Center for policy dialogue and eminent economist professor Rehman Sobhan has said that a large number of people in Bangladesh are currently languishing in prison due to their political identity, calling the situation a violation of human rights and a failure of the country's justice system.

He also described it as one of the shortcomings of the interim government, which he said should have shown stronger commitment to upholding the rule of law.

Speaking at the event, the chairman of the Centre for Policy Dialogue said Bangladesh's political history shows a recurring pattern where governments violate the rights of their political opponents.

"Unfortunately, history bears witness that previous governments have violated the rights of the opposition. And when those opposition forces come to power, instead of acting according to the law, they spend their time violating the human rights of their rivals," he said.

Raising a key question for lawmakers, Sobhan said the real challenge for members of parliament will be how far those who present themselves as advocates of human rights can ensure that the rule of law is maintained in the country.

"Will we truly have an independent judiciary? And will it be ensured that the judiciary is not used as an instrument to violate human rights instead of protecting them?" he asked.

Expressing hope that the National Human Rights Commission Ordinance 2025 will be passed, Sobhan said the effectiveness of the commission will depend largely on whether it is ignored by the authorities.

He noted that its effectiveness would hinge on whether the current home minister follows the path of previous home ministers who had overlooked the commission.