BD Government Issues Ordinance Granting Legal Protection to July Uprising Participants

The government has promulgated the “July Mass Uprising (Protection and Determination of Liability) Ordinance, 2026” with the aim of providing legal protection to participants of the July–August 2024 mass uprising and withdrawing cases filed against them.

The ordinance was published in a gazette on Sunday, January 25, by the Legislative and Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs. The information was confirmed on Monday by the ministry’s public relations officer.

Under the ordinance, individuals who participated in the July mass uprising that began on July 1, 2024, are officially recognized as “mass uprising participants.” The ordinance states that all civil and criminal cases filed against those who took part in the movement to overthrow a fascist regime and establish democracy, human rights, and the rule of law will be withdrawn.

It further provides that, subject to government certification, any ongoing case or legal proceeding against a participant of the uprising must be immediately withdrawn by the court upon application by the public prosecutor. The accused will be acquitted or discharged accordingly. The ordinance also bars the filing of any new cases in the future related to such participation.

The ordinance clearly distinguishes between “political resistance” and “criminal misuse amid chaotic situations.” If allegations of homicide are brought against any uprising participant, the matter must be submitted to the National Human Rights Commission. If the commission determines that the act occurred as part of political resistance, no legal proceedings will continue against the individual. However, the commission may order the government to provide compensation to affected families.

If, on the other hand, the commission finds that a killing was carried out for personal gain or constituted criminal misuse rather than political resistance, it will submit a report to the relevant court. The court will then treat the report as a police report and initiate further legal proceedings.

The ordinance was issued by the President under the powers granted by Article 93(1) of the Constitution, citing the absence of a sitting parliament and the necessity of immediate action under the prevailing circumstances.

The ordinance will be deemed effective retroactively from July 1, 2024, and will prevail over any other existing laws.