Instant justice can lead to injustice: Chief Advisor

Chief Advisor Professor Muhammad Yunus on Monday stated that if justice is delivered instantly, it often leads to injustice.

He made the remark during the inauguration programme of providing financial assistance to the families of those injured or martyred in the July uprising at the Chief Advisor’s Office in Dhaka's Tejgaon on Monday morning. 

During the programme, Dr Yunus handed over financial aid checks to 21 martyr families and seven injured individuals.

Addressing the families of the July martyrs and fighters, the Chief Advisor urged everyone to remain vigilant so that violence and unrest do not resurface in the country.  

He emphasized the invaluable sacrifice of those who contributed to the nation’s transformation, stating, “We call this country a new Bangladesh because of their sacrifices. Their contribution cannot be measured.”  

Calling the injured and martyred individuals the creators of history, he said, “You are living history. I extend my deepest gratitude to you. A nation that fails to remember its history cannot truly establish itself. This recognition is the nation’s way of showing appreciation to you.”  

Dr. Yunus assured the families that they are now formally part of the government’s support system. “This is an institutional recognition, but beyond that, society as a whole must also take responsibility for you,” he added.  

He affirmed that justice would be served for all killings and enforced disappearances, but cautioned against hasty verdicts. “If justice is delivered instantly, it often leads to injustice. True justice must be fair and impartial. Our struggle and sacrifices were against injustice. If we now engage in injustice, then what difference remains between them and us?”  

“We will not engage in injustice. Criminals will be handed over to law enforcement. Those who are not criminals but have gone astray must be guided back to the right path,” he stated.  

The Chief Advisor further urged unity in rebuilding the nation. “This country is ours to build together. It is not just mine; it is yours too. You are a child of this land, just as I am. You have caused me great pain, but I will not retaliate. Instead, we will work together to create a beautiful nation. Justice must be ensured for the guilty, and those who are not guilty must be guided towards righteousness.”  

During the meeting, representatives from the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs briefed the martyr families and July fighters on the government’s initiatives for their welfare.    

The government has formally recognized those who lost their lives in the movement as "July Martyrs" and the injured as "July Fighters." Identity cards will be issued to both groups to ensure they receive the promised benefits. Each martyr's family will receive a one-time financial grant of Taka 30 lakh, with Taka 10 lakh to be provided through a national savings bond in the fiscal year 2024-2025 and the remaining Taka 20 lakh in July of the fiscal year 2025-2026. 

Additionally, they will receive a monthly allowance of Taka 20,000, and working family members will be given priority for government and semi-government jobs.  

For the injured July fighters, the government has categorized financial support into two groups. Those in Category A, classified as severely injured, will receive a one-time payment of Taka 5 lakh, with Taka 2 lakh provided in the fiscal year 2024-2025 and the remaining Taka 3 lakh in the fiscal year 2025-2026. They will also receive a monthly allowance of Taka 20,000, lifelong medical care at government hospitals, and access to domestic and international medical services based on recommendations from a medical board. 

Additionally, they will be provided with rehabilitation training and job placement assistance.  

Category B fighters will receive a one-time allowance of Taka 3 lakh, distributed as Taka 1 lakh in 2024-2025 and Taka 2 lakh in 2025-2026. They will be entitled to a monthly allowance of Taka 15,000, job training, and priority access to government and semi-government employment opportunities. Identity cards will be issued to them, granting access to various government benefits.  

So far, the government has published a gazette listing 834 martyrs from the July uprising. A list of the injured has also been compiled and will soon be published through an official notification.  

Speaking at the event, Information Adviser Nahid Islam acknowledged the delay in implementing institutional measures but reassured victims and their families that the government is committed to honoring the sacrifices made. 

He emphasized that despite the challenges faced by the interim administration, efforts were made to ensure justice and recognition for the heroes of the uprising. He expressed regret for not being able to implement the program earlier but reaffirmed the government's dedication to upholding the dignity of the July fighters and their families.