A parliamentary committee has reached a consensus to propose the conversion of the indemnity ordinance, initially enacted under the interim government to safeguard individuals, including students, who took part in the 2024 July Uprising, into a full-fledged bill to be presented in the parliament.
Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed revealed this development following the committee’s inaugural session at the Cabinet Room of Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban. He emphasized that all members unanimously endorsed the ordinance, recognizing the participants as “courageous fighters” deserving legal protection, which is both a moral obligation and a duty of the state.
Law Minister Asaduzzaman informed that the committee has commenced the review of 133 ordinances introduced during the interim government’s tenure. He highlighted the meticulous examination of each ordinance and mentioned that a comprehensive report would be prepared and submitted by April 2. He stressed the importance of striking a balance between constitutional provisions and public expectations.
It was clarified by the minister that the committee’s recommendations would not automatically become law but would be submitted to the parliament for a final decision.
The meeting, presided over by BNP Vice Chairman and Barishal-3 MP Zainul Abedin, was attended by prominent ministers and MPs, including Chief Whip Md Nurul Islam, Law Minister Asaduzzaman, Dr. Muhammad Osman Faruk, AM Mahbub Uddin, State Minister Md Abdul Bari, Farzana Sharmeen, Md Mujibur Rahman, Md Rafiqul Islam Khan, and GM Nazrul Islam.
A moment of silence was observed at the beginning of the session to honor those who lost their lives during the July 2024 uprising.
Key ordinances that underwent scrutiny included the July Uprising (Protection and Accountability) Ordinance, 2026, the Prevention of Enforced Disappearance Ordinance, 2025 and its 2026 amendment, and the Police Commission Ordinance, 2025.
Committee chairman Zainul Abedin announced that discussions would resume the following day at 2:00 pm, with additional meetings scheduled if required. He expressed the committee’s intention to present a finalized report by April 2.
