Parliament Passes ‘July Uprising Indemnity Bill’ Despite Opposition Objection

The National Parliament on Wednesday passed the “July Mass Uprising (Protection and Accountability) Bill,” granting indemnity to participants of the July uprising, despite strong objections from the opposition.

The bill, which was earlier issued as an ordinance on January 25 during the interim government, was placed in Parliament by Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed. Opposition lawmaker Hasnat Abdullah of the NCP opposed the move, leading to a heated exchange between him and the minister. The session was chaired by Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed.

Opposition Objection

Hasnat Abdullah said the bill should not be passed before resolving issues related to the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC). He argued that the indemnity provision in the bill depends heavily on the commission, raising concerns over its independence.

He noted that while the interim government had introduced an ordinance to ensure the commission’s independence, a new bill has been brought to restore the 2009 law, which he said would make the body government-controlled.

He expressed concern that such a commission could be used to suppress opposition voices. Referring to alleged politicization of state institutions, he said there was no assurance that the NHRC would remain neutral.

Hasnat also criticized developments in other institutions, including the Bangladesh Cricket Board, warning that similar politicization could affect the human rights commission.

He added that if the commission remains under a ministry, any investigation into incidents related to the July uprising would lack credibility. He emphasized that ensuring the commission’s independence was essential before passing the bill.

Government Response

In response, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed dismissed the concerns as irrelevant to the main purpose of the bill. He said the legislation aims to provide legal and constitutional protection to those who participated in the July uprising, which he described as a national demand.

The minister said participants faced severe repression, including violence and killings, and described the events as part of a broader struggle. He added that some deaths occurred during clashes and described the situation as one that had already been settled.

Addressing criticism regarding the cricket board, he said irregularities during the interim government had been investigated, the previous board was dissolved, and a new committee was formed.

On the NHRC issue, the minister said the government wants to establish a strong and effective human rights commission aligned with existing laws. He criticized the previous ordinance as inadequate and said broader consultation was needed.

Passage of the Bill

Despite the objection, the motion to place the bill was approved by a majority voice vote, rejecting Hasnat Abdullah’s protest. The bill was then formally introduced and passed in Parliament.

Key Provisions

The law states that all civil and criminal cases filed against participants of the July uprising will be withdrawn following due process. It also prohibits filing new cases against them on the same grounds.

If a case is identified as related to participation in the uprising, government-appointed lawyers will apply to the court for withdrawal. The court will then stop proceedings, and the accused will be discharged or acquitted.

However, in cases involving allegations of killing during the uprising, complaints may be submitted to the National Human Rights Commission for investigation. The commission will determine whether the act was criminal misuse of disorder or part of political resistance.

If found to be criminal misuse, the commission will submit a report to the court for further action. If considered part of political resistance, the commission may recommend compensation for victims’ families, and no further legal proceedings can be taken in such cases.