July Martyrs’ Families and Injured Protesters Issue ‘Ultimatum’ to Legal Adviser Asif Nazrul

Members of the families of July martyrs and injured victims staged a blockade in front of Gate No. 2 of the Secretariat on Tuesday (19 August), demanding the resignation of Professor Asif Nazrul, Legal Adviser to the interim government.

The blockade, which began at 12:30 pm, continued until 3:15 pm, after which the protesters withdrew, issuing an “ultimatum” to the authorities.

Protesters’ Demands

The demonstrators demanded that the Legal Adviser explain to the Chief Adviser by Sunday why those accused in the July killings were being granted bail. They insisted that this explanation must be made public before the nation.

They also alleged that during the day’s programme:

• Police beat them with batons.
• Protesters were verbally abused.

As a result, they also called for visible accountability from the Home Affairs Adviser.

Voices from the Families

• Rabiul Awal, brother of martyr Taim, declared: “The Legal Adviser invited us for discussions, but we have rejected it. We are giving time until Sunday. If our demands are not met, we will demand not only the resignation of the Legal Adviser but also of the Home Affairs Adviser.”
  He added that in the next programme, families and injured victims from across the country will gather in Dhaka.
• Safat Siddiqui, mother of martyr Ahnaf, alleged: “Police hurled insults at us and even kicked me.”

Confrontation with Police

Earlier in the morning, following a demonstration in front of the National Press Club, the protesters marched towards the Secretariat. Police tried to stop them, which led to scuffles.

In response to allegations, Masud Alam, DC of Ramna Division Police, said: “If such incidents occurred, we will conduct a proper investigation and take action.”

Protest Slogans

During the sit-in, the demonstrators raised powerful slogans:

• “We demand the resignation of Asif Nazrul!”
• “Killers roam free, what is the judiciary doing?”
• “My brother lies in the grave, why is the murderer outside?”

They further accused that money is being exchanged for bail, claiming that this is undermining the justice system and that urgent action against judicial corruption is essential.