Indemnity Ordinance Planned For July Fighters

Law Adviser Dr Asif Nazrul today said a draft Indemnity Ordinance will be placed before the next meeting of the Council of Advisers, aiming to provide legal protection to those he described as the “July warriors.”

In a post shared on his verified Facebook account, Asif Nazrul said the individuals who took part in the July uprising risked their lives to bring an end to what he termed fascist rule, and therefore deserved legal immunity.

According to him, there is a necessity to enact a law that would shield them from legal action for preventive measures taken against what he described as the murderers of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina during the July movement.

The law adviser stated that such indemnity measures are legally valid, noting that similar laws were introduced in several countries following mass uprisings during the Arab Spring and other contemporary revolutions.

He further said that Article 46 of the Constitution of Bangladesh provides the legal basis for granting indemnity, adding that a similar law was enacted in 1973 to protect freedom fighters after the Liberation War.

“In view of these legal provisions and historical precedents, the Law Ministry has prepared a draft of the Indemnity Ordinance,” he said, adding that it would be presented for approval at the next meeting of the Council of Advisers.

Dr Asif Nazrul concluded by saying that ensuring the safety and protection of those involved in the July uprising is a moral and national responsibility.