PM pledges justice for July victims, warns against injustice in its name

Highlights: 

• PM vows justice for July uprising victims through due process
• 'No injustice in the name of justice,' says Tarique
• PM urges national unity over revenge on uprising anniversary
• State will recognise sacrifices of July martyrs, PM says
• Tarique says united Bangladesh is the true tribute to martyrs

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman today (4 July) vowed to ensure justice for the victims of the July mass uprising, but stressed that due process must be strictly followed to ensure that no one faces injustice in the name of justice.

Speaking at the July National Conference 2026, he also called for national unity over revenge, saying the sacrifices made during the July mass uprising and the long anti-autocracy movement should inspire Bangladesh to build a democratic, just and inclusive future rather than deepen divisions.

"The state will do its utmost to recognise your sacrifices. At the same time, those responsible for the injustice committed against you and killing your loved ones will face trial under the law," Prime Minister told the families of the July martyrs and those injured during the July mass uprising.

He noted that legal proceedings have already been completed in some cases at the lower courts.

"But there is one thing I want to say to all of you, and through you to the entire nation—not only to members of my own party, but also to other political parties and to those with no political affiliation who stood with the movement. Just as the autocratic regime committed injustice against crores of people in Bangladesh, we must ensure that no one suffers injustice in the name of justice," Tarique said.

The 24 July Martyred Families Society and the central executive committee of Amra July Joddha jointly arranged the conference at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre in Agargaon, marking the second anniversary of the July mass uprising and remembering the sacrifices of those who were killed and injured during the movement.

The Prime Minister said if those who lost their lives during the mass uprising could see that injustice is being committed in the name of securing justice for them, they would never rest in peace.

"That is why we must strictly follow every legal procedure. Even if it takes a little longer, we will ensure that those responsible for these crimes and killings are brought to proper justice," he said.

Referring to the emotional accounts shared by family members of the martyrs and those injured during the movement, Tarique said their desire for recognition and justice is entirely justified.

He said the state has a responsibility to recognise their sacrifices and ensure justice for those responsible for the killings and repression.

Tarique said he understood the pain and suffering of the families who had lost their loved ones and those who were injured during the movement, saying he could relate to both their physical and emotional trauma.

He, however, urged them to remain united and focus on fulfilling the aspirations for which so many people sacrificed, stressing that the real tribute to the martyrs would be to build a better Bangladesh rather than deepen divisions.

"Those who sacrificed their lives or suffered injuries did so for the people of this country and for a better Bangladesh. We must honour their sacrifice by taking the nation forward together," the Prime Minister said.

Reflecting on his own family's suffering during the past 17 years, Tarique said if he could ask his late mother or brother whether they wanted revenge, they would instead ask him to unite the nation and move the country forward.

He said many of his political colleagues who were with him before he left the country 17 years ago are no longer alive, while many others have returned with permanent disabilities after years of repression and the July movement.

The Prime Minister said those who joined the movement did not risk their lives for personal gain or recognition, but to build a country where people could live with dignity, enjoy equal rights and receive opportunities based on merit.

"Our main objective is the country and its people. We must ask not only what the state can do for us, but also what we can do for the country," he said.

The Prime Minister acknowledged that no amount of state support could bring back those who have lost their lives or fully heal those left with permanent injuries.

However, he said their sacrifices would find true meaning if Bangladesh succeeded in building a democratic and prosperous nation for future generations.

He warned that national division would only weaken the country, saying no nation could move forward if its people remained divided.