Justice eludes families of July martyrs in Feni
Family members of nine victims, who were killed during an anti-government protest in Mohipal area of Feni town on August 4 last year, have expressed their frustration over the tardy trial procedures and justice as a year has already elapsed since the killings.
So far, 22 cases have been filed, accusing over 6,000 people, with 2,199 people named and around 4,000 unidentified ones.
A total of 785 people have been arrested, including 155 named suspects. Of the arrestees, 11 have confessed under Section 164 in court.
The violence occurred on August 4 last year during a protest demanding the resignation of the then Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
Awami League and its affiliated groups allegedly attacked the protestors under the Mohipal flyover using firearms, machetes and explosives, killing nine and injuring over 150.
Seven murder cases have been filed at Feni Model Police Station, along with 15 attempted murder cases.
Officer-in-charge Mohammad Shamsuzzaman said that among 782 named and 1,800 unnamed accused, 401 have been arrested and 75 of them are named and 326 suspected.
Victims’ families expressed frustration during a commemorative event on Tuesday at Shilpakala Academy.
They accused law enforcement of inaction, delayed chargesheet submissions and letting main perpetrators escape justice.
Expressing angry over the slowed justice process, Nesar Ahmad, father of slain Ishtiaq Ahmed Shraban, said “Many accused have fled abroad. Even those in the country roam free. Without justice, our children’s blood will be in vain. We don’t want wealth—only justice,” he said.
He added, “If there is no justice in this world, Allah will deliver it.”
The deceased also include Saeedul Islam Shahi, 19, Wakil Ahmed Shihab, 19, Zakir Hossain Shakib, 19, Mahbubul Hasan, 21, Md. Sabuj, 20, Sarwar Jahan Masud, 21, Md. Abdur Gani, 38, and Md. Abu Bakr Siddiq, 38.
Investigations reveal inconsistencies: Several people named in the murder cases weren’t even present at the protest, including teachers, lawyers, and journalists.
Victims' families claim many of the accused are unfamiliar to them and allege that some names were added or removed in exchange for bribes.
Families also claim that key leaders from the Awami League and its affiliates, identified as armed attackers, have yet to be arrested, despite being active on social media from hiding. Of the seven murder cases, only one has reached the chargesheet stage.
Police say investigations are ongoing based on video footage, social media clips and witness accounts.
OC Shamsuzzaman said that arrested accused such as Nobi Member, Osman Gani Liton, Shafiqul Islam Samrat, and Ashiqur Rahman Ashiq have confessed to their roles.
Superintendent of Police Md. Habibur Rahman said, “Legal procedures are being followed. We are working to repatriate those who fled abroad. Digital surveillance is helping track down those still in the country. Political identity is irrelevant in these operations.”
Despite these assurances, victims' families remain skeptical, demanding swift and impartial justice for the atrocities committed during what many are calling a modern-day people's uprising in Bangladesh.