Tarique promises trial for killings in July uprising if BNP wins

BNP acting chairperson Tarique Rahman today (16 March) promised that his party would bring those responsible for the tortures and killings during the anti-autocratic movement and the 2024 mass uprising under trial, if it is voted to power.

"We can firmly say if the people of Bangladesh give the BNP the opportunity to govern in the future, we will ensure trials for all incidents of killings and repression," he said while addressing an Iftar Mahfil virtually at a city hotel.

Tarique assured that the party would make every effort, alongside various political programmes, to ensure justice for those affected and for those subjected to repression and killings during the anti-autocratic movements and the July-August mass uprising.

Amra BNP Paribar organised the event at Lakeshore Hotel for the families of the victims of enforced disappearances and killings during the 'fascist' Awami League regime, as well as for the martyrs of the 2024 mass uprising. Eid gifts were also distributed among the victim families at the event.

The acting chairperson said both the party and the nation expect a fair and neutral election in the future, through which the people of Bangladesh will decide who will form the government.

Regardless of which party comes to power, he said there must be a programme, alongside various other activities, to ensure justice for all victims of torture and injustice.

"The trial must be conducted fairly at any cost. If we fail to hold trials for past injustices, and if there is no fair and proper trial for these incidents, then injustice could recur in the country," he warned.

Tarique Rahman urged the victim families not to lose hope but to live up to their expectations. "If we all remain united and vocal against injustice, we will certainly be able to hold these trials in this land."