DNA Testing of 114 Bodies from July Uprising: Chief Adviser Reflects on the Progress of Justice

On January 7, 2026, Bangladesh’s Criminal Investigation Department (CID) presented a report to Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus regarding the DNA testing of 114 unidentified bodies buried as "unclaimed" in Rayer Bazar, Dhaka, following the July Uprising. The bodies were exhumed and DNA samples were collected in an effort to identify the martyrs of the violent crackdown.

Dr. Yunus, while receiving the report at the State Guest House Jamuna, condemned the atrocities committed by the previous government, stating that such brutal acts of burying citizens in mass graves were unthinkable in any civilized state. He emphasized that the DNA identification process was not only a forensic exercise but also a critical step in uncovering the truth and restoring dignity to the families of the disappeared.

He further noted that this effort marked a significant moral responsibility of the state and was a courageous stride toward justice. The identification of the martyrs symbolizes the return of their names and legacies to the nation’s history, ensuring that their sacrifices are never forgotten.

The CID’s initiative also brought hope to the families still searching for their loved ones. One poignant case highlighted by CID head Additional IGP Mohammad Chibgat Ullah involved a mother who repeatedly visited the mass grave site, and it was beneath a tree there that the remains of her child were found.

The DNA collection took place from December 7 to 27, with nine families participating, of which eight martyrs' identities were confirmed. Among the identified martyrs were Sohail Rana (38), Rofiqul Islam (52), Asadullah (32), Mahin Mia (32), Faisal Sarker (26), Parvez Bepari (23), Kabil Hossain (58), and Rofiqul Islam (29), all of whom were confirmed to have been killed by gunshot wounds.

To ensure transparency and the highest standards of forensic analysis, CID collaborated with Dr. Maurice Tidball Binj, an internationally recognized expert in forensic science, who provided training and advice. CID also invited families of those missing since the July-August uprising to contact their hotline for further assistance.