Staff Correspondent:

Sarjis Alam, Chief Organizer (Northern Region) of Jatiya Nagorik Party (NCP) delivered a stark warning to Bangladesh’s interim government: ensure justice for those killed during previous political violence before proceeding with reforms or elections.

He made the announcement on Friday afternoon at Shahidi Rally held at capital’s Shahbagh organized by Inquilab Mancha, calling for justice of July, Pilkhana and Shapla genocide over planned reforms.

“If government proceeds with any plans without first ensuring justice for martyrs, it will not escape burden of their blood,” Sarjis said.

Nine months after July uprising, demonstrators gathered demanding justice for victims of July Uprising, Pilkhana massacre, and Shapla Square massacre, whilst calling for ban on Awami League, whom they accused of orchestrating mass killings.

Sarjis specifically mentioned India’s harbouring of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, “India, which has provided shelter to Khushi Hasina, mastermind behind these killings, cannot expect healthy relationship with Bangladesh until she is returned for justice.”

Families of victims shared heart-wrenching testimonies throughout rally. Sister of Shapla Square martyr linked historical events, “From 2009 BDR mutiny to seeds of revolution sown at Shapla in 2013, everything culminated in 2024 uprising. But our struggle isn’t over.”

DU student AB Zubayer emphasised movement’s continuity, “Our July hasn’t ended. Promises of July have yet to be fulfilled. On Friday we pledge to keep fighting until Awami League is banned and those responsible face justice.”

Perhaps most poignant moment came when 4-year-old intellectually disabled child of July martyr Mosleh Uddin from Banasree simply stated, “I want justice for my father’s killing.”

Sheikh Mahbubur Rahman, representing Islami Chhatra Andolon, criticised perceived lack of action, “Today we see attempts to rehabilitate Awami League. They were supposed to be banned. Yet they continue activities openly. We see no legal progress regarding Shapla massacre.”

Martyrs’ families expressed frustration at slow pace of justice. Brother of Shaheed Imam Hasan lamented, “People cannot understand our pain unless they belong to martyr’s family. Why must we beg in streets? Justice for July uprising is more important than reform or election.”

Mother of Shaheed Saim recounted horrific details, “My son was killed on July 19 and left on street. He wasn’t armed, just fighting for rights. They shot him like bird. I want killers to be hanged in Bangladesh soil, just way they killed him.”

Similarly, mother of Shaheed Sajal, who was reportedly burned alive, questioned government directly, “Why are we still roaming streets? Why has justice not been served for those martyrs who made your current positions possible?”

Rally concluded with Ali Hasan Junayed’s defiant message, “It’s been nine months since government formed after July uprising, and still we are demanding justice. Let me tell interim government: if you fail to deliver justice, it won’t take long to remove you either. Future Bangladesh will belong to warriors of July.”