Adviser of the interim government confirms deadline for July massacre trial
Adviser of the interim government Dr. Asif Nazrul has stated that the trial related to the July massacre will be completed before Victory Day in 2025, setting a clear judicial timeline under Bangladesh’s interim administration. Speaking on December 28, 2024, during a national dialogue on unity, reform, and elections, Nazrul underlined that addressing the genocide cases remains one of the most critical responsibilities of the current government.
The remarks were made on the second day of the dialogue held at the Krishibid Institute, where senior officials, political voices, and civil society representatives gathered to discuss the country’s immediate political and legal roadmap. According to Nazrul, the interim government is currently focused on three main duties: ensuring justice for the July violence, implementing necessary reforms, and preparing the ground for a credible election.
Nazrul, who serves as the Law Adviser, said that overseeing the legal process related to the July massacre is his primary responsibility. He stressed that the victims and their families deserve a judicial outcome that is both timely and credible, adding that the government is committed to handling the cases with seriousness and accountability.
Adviser of the interim government stresses balance between speed and credibility
Adviser of the interim government Dr. Asif Nazrul emphasized that while the trial process would move forward without unnecessary delay, it would not be rushed at the cost of judicial integrity. He acknowledged public expectations for swift justice but warned that shortcuts in legal proceedings could weaken confidence in the system.
According to Nazrul, the judiciary must remain beyond question, especially in cases involving mass violence and alleged genocide. He stated that the legal process would be conducted carefully, with full respect for established procedures, evidence evaluation, and due process. Any attempt to hasten verdicts without proper examination, he said, could undermine the credibility of the courts and the legitimacy of the final outcome.
Nazrul assured that there would be no negligence in handling the cases and no intentional delays in judicial proceedings. He reiterated that the interim government understands the emotional weight of the July events and the responsibility it carries in delivering justice that is fair, transparent, and legally sound.
Adviser of the interim government links justice to reform and elections
Adviser of the interim government also linked the completion of the July massacre trial to the broader political transition underway in Bangladesh. He explained that justice, institutional reform, and elections are interconnected goals that must progress together to restore public trust.
Nazrul noted that addressing past violence is essential for creating a stable environment for future democratic processes. Without accountability, he said, reforms would lack credibility and elections would struggle to gain public confidence. The interim government, therefore, views the genocide trials not as isolated legal cases but as part of a wider effort to rebuild governance and political legitimacy.
Victory Day 2025 has been identified as a symbolic and practical milestone for concluding the trial process. Completing the cases before that date, Nazrul suggested, would signal the government’s commitment to justice while allowing the nation to move forward with reforms and electoral preparations.
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He also indicated that coordination between legal institutions, investigators, and prosecutors is ongoing to ensure that the cases proceed efficiently. While specific details of the trial timeline were not disclosed, Nazrul made it clear that the government is actively managing the process rather than allowing it to stagnate. Also Read: Bangladesh summon envoys as diplomatic tension grows between Delhi and Dhaka
Conclusion
The statement by the adviser of the interim government sets a clear expectation for the completion of the July massacre trial before Victory Day 2025. By stressing judicial credibility alongside urgency, the interim administration has positioned justice as the foundation for reform and future elections. How effectively this balance is maintained will play a crucial role in shaping public confidence during Bangladesh’s political transition.
