Home Minister: Government Committed to July Student Uprising Agreements

The government has affirmed that it remains guided by the principles of the collective decisions outlined in the July Accord, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed said on Sunday. He stated, “The ordinance was issued to provide protection to those who led the July student mass uprising. We have signed it and are committed to it. All our decisions will be taken in light of that commitment.”

Speaking at the Secretariat, Salahuddin Ahmed said, “An ordinance called the ‘Protection Ordinance’ was issued by the caretaker government towards the end of its tenure. Its basis was a clause in the National Accord. In that clause, all signatory political parties agreed that legal and constitutional protection must be provided to those who led or participated in the July student uprising.”

He emphasized, “Those who led or participated in the July student mass uprising must receive legal and constitutional protection. The July National Accord must receive legal and constitutional recognition. We have signed and are committed to these pledges. All our decisions will be guided by this commitment.”

The Home Minister also spoke about the role of the armed forces during the caretaker government, saying, “The military was present in the field to assist in maintaining law and order. The issue of armed forces deployment will be decided at the highest level of government. They do not wish to remain in the field, and any decision on their withdrawal will consider the law and order situation.”

On the topic of the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), he said, “Decisions regarding the dissolution or renaming of RAB must be made based on practical considerations. After thorough review and evaluation, a decision will be taken. Meanwhile, instructions have also been issued for the recovery of illegal arms.”