The government has sought district-wise data on cases filed after August 5, 2024, during the post-uprising interim government period, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed said on Wednesday.
Speaking to reporters after a session related to the Ministry of Home Affairs at the Deputy Commissioners’ (DC) Conference held at Osmani Memorial Auditorium in Dhaka, the minister said the cases would be reviewed and verified.
He noted that a number of cases were filed following the anti-discrimination movement, including allegations of genocide and crimes against humanity linked to the previous Awami League regime.
“We have asked deputy commissioners to provide district-wise lists of the cases. The number may be lower in remote districts but higher in metropolitan areas. These will be reviewed carefully,” the minister said.
Verification process to identify actual accused
Explaining the rationale behind the move, Salahuddin Ahmed said that many cases include hundreds or even thousands of accused individuals, raising concerns about accuracy.
“We will verify who the actual accused are. Investigation officers will examine the cases so that they can be disposed of within a short time,” he added.
He also emphasized that those included in cases with ulterior motives should be recommended for exemption, and assured that the entire process would be carried out through legal procedures.
Timeline for submission
When asked about the deadline for submitting the data, the minister said officials had been asked to send the information “as soon as possible,” with a maximum timeframe of about one month.
He added that delays, if any, would be considered in the interest of justice.
Background
Following the July uprising that led to the fall of the Awami League government, an interim administration led by Professor Muhammad Yunus took office on August 8, 2024. The interim government remained in charge until a new government was formed after elections in February.
