Cases Planned Against OCs Over July Uprising Killings: Anti-Discrimination Student Movement

The Anti-Discrimination Student Movement is preparing a list of the then officers-in-charge (OCs) of police stations in whose jurisdictions students and members of the public were martyred during the July uprising. Alongside this, a list is also being compiled of senior police officials, ranging from district superintendents of police (SPs) to higher-ranking officers. After completing these lists, cases will be filed against them by name at the International Crimes Tribunal.

These remarks were made on Sunday evening by the organization’s president, Rifat Rashid, while announcing two programs at a press conference held at Madhur Canteen of Dhaka University following developments related to Habiganj, where Anti-Discrimination Student Movement leader Mahdi Hasan was involved.

Announcing another program, Rifat Rashid said that their second initiative is to immediately engage in discussions with the Law Adviser and the Home Affairs Adviser to pressure them into issuing the indemnity ordinance, confirmed by the President. He stated that this effort has already begun from today and emphasized that there would be no delays, as the movement is moving toward action.

At the press conference, the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement placed three demands.

Their demands include granting unconditional release—not just bail—to Habiganj leader Mahdi Hasan and withdrawing the officer-in-charge of Habiganj Sadar Police Station; issuing an ordinance within 24 hours granting indemnity for all activities carried out by students, workers, and the general public who participated in the July mass uprising between July 1 and August 8.

Their third demand is to document the history of all military, paramilitary, and civilian administrative officials, soldiers, and employees of the army, navy, and air force who made significant contributions to the July revolution, and to ensure their honor, recognition, and legal protection.

They also demanded the formation of a permanent commission to prevent workplace harassment, as well as the immediate promotion and appointment to important and sensitive positions of armed forces officers who were deprived of promotions after February 25, 2009, due to repression under fascism.

When asked about the bail granted to Mahdi Hasan, who was arrested on charges of obstructing government work, Rifat Rashid said that Mahdi had not been unconditionally released, but had only been granted bail in one case. Therefore, their first demand has not been fully met, and they will continue their struggle.

The press conference was attended by the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement’s chief coordinator Hasib Al Islam, organizational secretary Moinul Islam, spokesperson Sinthia Jahin Ayesha, and other leaders and activists.