National Citizens' Committee demands AL’s trial for July-August massacre

Marking 100 days of the student-led mass uprising, the National Citizens' Committee convened a gathering on Friday afternoon to demand the trial of Awami League for its role in the July massacre, reports UNB.

The event also called for the rehabilitation of the martyrs' families and those injured at the Central Shaheed Minar at 4 pm, featuring speakers from various parts of the capital who echoed the demands for justice and accountability.

Speaking at the event, Nasir Uddin Patwari, convener of the National Citizens' Committee, said, "The public has raised concerns regarding certain advisers. The Citizens' Committee demands a transparent response from these advisers. Awami League allies remain entrenched within various state institutions. These individuals must be removed, or else the students and the people will rise again. If necessary, we will demonstrate that the true centre of power lies with the people."

He warned, "Some political parties are attempting to protect Awami League allies within the business, academic, and intellectual sectors through financial incentives, legal cases, or other means. Such practices must end, or the political landscape will be taken over by students. If these issues persist, the legitimacy of elections will be undermined by public outrage."

Nasir also criticised exploitation linked to the injured, saying, "Bloodshed should not be a commodity for sale. Certain groups have falsified Liberation War certificates, disrespecting true freedom fighters. We will not allow the same to happen regarding the events of the uprising."

National Citizens' Committee member Ariful Islam said, "The Awami League bears organisational responsibility for this massacre. Obaidul Quader claimed that the student movement could be quelled by Chhatra League alone. The Awami League used law enforcement to prioritise party interests over citizens' safety, resulting in the deaths of innocent people."

He further called for the Awami League to be banned from participating in elections.