Bangladeshi police have not completed investigations in over 90% of the 1,855 cases related to killings and violence during the July 2024 protests, even after nearly two years. The delay has raised concerns and frustrations among victims’ families and those who claim false implication in the cases.
According to data from the Police Headquarters (PHQ) cited by The Daily Star, out of the cases filed nationwide, 799 were for murders, while the remaining 1,056 were for other charges, including attempted murder. Legal experts mentioned in the report highlighted that the slow pace of investigations reveals the complexities within the cases and the shortcomings in the country’s criminal justice system.
The Daily Star quoted Ishrat Hasan, a lawyer at the Supreme Court, emphasizing the importance of conducting thorough investigations promptly after mass uprisings. Hasan noted that the presence of numerous unnamed accused individuals in many cases has further complicated and delayed the investigative processes.
The report also mentioned that thousands of individuals, including journalists, are awaiting case resolutions, with many denying involvement in the violent incidents during the protests. Court records revealed that several journalists have been named in cases involving murder, attempted murder, and unlawful assembly in connection with the July 2024 protests.
Tariqul Islam, a lawyer representing multiple accused individuals in Dhaka courts, criticized the arbitrary arrests of individuals without political affiliations. He highlighted that such arrests, based on vague or false charges, violate human rights and impede the justice system.
