The government has decided to review cases filed during the tenure of the interim administration following August 5, 2024, particularly those involving allegations of genocide and crimes against humanity, in a move aimed at ensuring justice and preventing harassment of innocent individuals.
Home Affairs Adviser Salahuddin Ahmed announced the decision on Wednesday at a press briefing following a session with Deputy Commissioners (DCs) on the final day of the DC Conference at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium in the capital. He said deputy commissioners across the country have been instructed to compile and submit lists of such cases to the Ministry of Home Affairs within one month. The initiative comes amid concerns that many cases filed in the aftermath of political unrest included large numbers of accused persons, raising questions about proper identification of actual perpetrators.
"To ensure that justice is served, investigations will be strengthened to identify genuine offenders. Those who have been implicated with malicious intent will be recommended for legal relief through due process," he said.
At the district level, special committees have been formed to scrutinise these cases. Each committee is chaired by the District Magistrate and includes the Additional District Magistrate, Superintendent of Police, Public Prosecutor, and a nominated representative.
Victims or concerned individuals will be allowed to submit applications along with relevant documents, including FIRs and charge sheets. Following verification, recommendations will be forwarded to the Ministry of Home Affairs and subsequently to the Ministry of Law for vetting. Cases may be withdrawn under Section 494 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), if deemed appropriate.
Salahuddin Ahmed also noted that cases filed during the previous government-covering allegations such as murder, arms offences, narcotics, and violence against women-are being reviewed for possible political motivation and misuse. The government, he said, aims to balance accountability for genuine offences with relief for individuals allegedly subjected to fabricated cases.
In parallel, authorities have launched a nationwide drive to recover approximately 10,000 unreturned firearms that were required to be deposited ahead of national elections.
The Home Ministry has issued directives categorising licensed weapons into three groups: firearms licensed before January 6, 2009; firearms licensed after August 5, 2024; and firearms licensed between January 6, 2009 and August 5, 2024, which will be subject to validity review.
Officials warned that failure to return weapons where required may result in legal action against licence holders. All licences issued between 2009 and 2024 will also undergo re-verification to ensure compliance with regulations.
Authorities have also been instructed to intensify operations against illegal arms, narcotics, online gambling, and betting activities, as part of a broader "zero tolerance" policy.
The Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) has been placed on heightened alert amid concerns over possible cross-border pushbacks following political developments in India's West Bengal.
Senior officials, including Home Ministry Senior Secretary Monjur Morshed Chowdhury and Inspector General of Police Md Ali Hossain Fakir, were present at the briefing.
