July Uprising cases go for speedy trial

Most murder and other cases of serious crimes committed during the July-August 2024 Uprising go for speedy trial, save those pending with the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) in Dhaka.

The interim government has decided to hold trial of these cases in the Speedy Trial Tribunals in order to expedite the trials as the upcoming national elections will mark their exit.

A special committee will work to streamline and expedite the prosecution of the cases related to murder and other serious offences committed during the Uprising, says an official communiqué. Law Ministry issued the statement Monday to this effect.

According to the press release, "A total of 837 cases have been recorded so far on charge of murder committed under the directives of 'Awami fascist government' during the July-August 2024 Uprising. "

Among the cases, a total of 45 are pending now before the International Crimes Tribunal. In addition, police have already submitted charge sheets in 19 murder cases in different courts.

The decision has been taken to send these murder cases to the Speedy Trial Tribunals according to Section 10 of the Speedy Trial Tribunal Act 2010.

The Law Ministry has formed a committee headed by an Additional Secretary "to streamline and expedite the prosecution of the cases related to murder and other serious offences committed during the mass uprising", the press release also reads.

The panel will compile a comprehensive list of all cases filed on charges of murder and other serious offences committed to suppress the nationwide student-led movement during July-August 2024, along with their current status.

It will also identify any existing problems in the prosecution of such cases, excluding those pending before the International Crimes Tribunal, where charge sheets have already been submitted, and will provide the government with necessary recommendations to resolve those issues.

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