18th Amendment Will Be Historic in Fulfilling the Aspirations of the July Uprising: Home Minister

He made these remarks as the chief guest at a reception and discussion meeting for family members of July martyrs and July fighters, organized by the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Center in the capital on Wednesday (August 5).

The Home Minister said that even Awami League, as a political party, should face trial. Investigations are ongoing against the party on charges of genocide and crimes against humanity, and a decision will be made through judicial proceedings.

He informed that the investigation agency of the International Crimes Tribunal has already begun probing the relevant allegations, and the matter of bringing Awami League under trial as a political party is also under consideration.

Emphasizing the importance of constitutional reform, Salahuddin Ahmed said that to realize the aspirations of the July Uprising, merely the recommendations of reform commissions or political dialogue are not enough; for effective change, the 18th Amendment to the Constitution must be passed in Parliament.

He stated, "This will be the most historic constitutional amendment of the century. This amendment will play a crucial role in fulfilling the expectations for which the martyrs of the July Uprising sacrificed their lives."

He called upon all political parties to implement every commitment of the "July National Charter."

Referring to the disappearances, killings, and "Ayna Ghars" (secret detention centers) during the previous government's tenure, the Home Minister said that he himself had spent 61 days in an Ayna Ghar. Noting that even surviving 24 hours there is extremely difficult, he said that countless people, including Elias Ali, were disappeared, and justice must be ensured against those involved in these incidents.

Regarding the treatment and rehabilitation of injured July fighters, he said that special measures are needed for those who have been permanently disabled. For this purpose, a categorized list of the injured should be prepared to arrange advanced medical treatment and rehabilitation. He also called for initiatives to quickly enroll those who have not yet been included in the government list.

At the end of his speech, the Home Minister said that while there may be differences of opinion between the government and opposition parties in Parliament, everyone must remain united against fascism. He emphatically stated that fascism will never be allowed to rise again in Bangladesh.