Families of those killed during the July 2024 mass uprising have urged the government to speed up investigations and ensure the trial of those responsible for the killings, enforced disappearances and alleged crimes against humanity.

In a letter submitted on behalf of the families of the martyrs, Rokeya Begum, an Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami lawmaker from reserved Women’s Seat-45 and the mother of martyred Jaber Ibrahim, placed seven key demands to the chief prosecutor Md Aminul Islam after meeting with him at his office.

She was accompanied by Jamaat leader AHM Hamidur Rahman Azad, who is also the coordinator of the 11 party Okkayo Jote.

The families said investigations into many major crime scenes related to the July 2024 killings have not yet been completed. They called for the prompt completion of investigations at all major crime scenes so that trials against those responsible can proceed without delay.

They also alleged that many police officers and members of other law enforcement agencies accused of involvement in the alleged genocide and crimes against humanity have not yet been arrested, while some are still serving in government positions. They demanded that anyone found responsible through investigation be brought under the law immediately.

The families further said that alleged crimes against humanity were committed in 61 of the country’s 64 districts. However, they claimed that investigations outside Dhaka, Rangpur and Kushtia remained incomplete, preventing many suspects from being brought to justice. They urged the authorities to complete impartial investigations across the country and take legal action against those found responsible based on evidence.

They also alleged that many identified leaders and activists of the Awami League and its associate organisations accused in connection with the July 2024 killings and attacks had not yet been arrested. According to the families, this has created fear and insecurity among victims and witnesses. They called for the arrest of those against whom sufficient evidence was found and for effective protection of witnesses.

The families also demanded legal action against people who supported, justified or incited genocide or crimes against humanity, spread false or misleading information, or attempted to obstruct the judicial process.

They further called for the speedy completion of investigations into allegations of enforced disappearances, killings following disappearances, and the concealment or destruction of victims’ bodies. They urged the prosecution of both military and civilian individuals allegedly linked to the Task Force for Interrogation and the General Intelligence Cell, subject to sufficient evidence.

Expressing concern over what they described as the slow progress in investigations and trials of enforced disappearance cases, the families said the delays had increased anxiety among victims and their relatives. They urged the authorities to complete all investigations without delay, prosecute those against whom sufficient evidence was=s found, and ensure the safety of victims’ families and witnesses.

The families concluded by calling for the government’s urgent intervention to ensure justice for victims, strengthen the rule of law, and prevent similar crimes in the future.