The parliament has passed a bill, based on an ordinance issued by the previous interim government, granting legal immunity to participants in last year’s mass protests, while setting out a mechanism to investigate allegations of serious crimes committed during the unrest.
The legislation, titled the July Mass Uprising (Protection and Determination of Liability) Act, 2026, was passed on Wednesday during the 11th sitting of the first session of the 13th National Parliament, chaired by Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed. The bill, originally issued as an ordinance by the interim government, was tabled by Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed.
The law provides sweeping protections for those involved in the July–August 2024 uprising, stating that all civil and criminal cases filed against participants for their role in the movement will be withdrawn. It further bars the filing of any new cases against them in connection with the protests.
Under its provisions, complaints involving killings during the uprising may be submitted to a designated commission, which will be tasked with conducting investigations.
The law imposes restrictions on how such investigations are carried out. In cases where the victim was affiliated with a particular institution or force, the commission is barred from appointing investigators who are current or former members of that same body. Investigators must also obtain prior approval from the commission before making arrests or taking suspects into custody.
According to the explanatory provisions, if the commission finds that the actions in question were part of political resistance, it may recommend compensation for affected families. In such cases, no legal case or further judicial proceedings may be initiated regarding those acts.
The government has framed the law as a measure to protect July protesters who took part in what it describes as a mass uprising, while ensuring accountability for serious offences.
mirmostafiz@yahoo.com
