Law Adviser to the Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, Asif Nazrul, has urged the public not to question the government’s sincerity in prosecuting those responsible for the July movement killings, despite various shortcomings.

He, however, said: “We have many failures, but not in effort. There is no negligence in our attempts.” 

Asif Nazrul said this during his closing remarks at a discussion and documentary screening on the July massacres, organised by the Law Ministry at the Judicial Administration Training Institute in Dhaka on Tuesday (July 29).

Nazrul acknowledged the criticisms directed at the government and expressed empathy for the families of the victims. “I hear a lot. Sometimes it hurts. But then I remind myself—our children gave their lives so that people could question us, so that they could criticise us. Even if it’s painful, we must listen—and continue working.”

He added, “I want to be able to answer to Allah. I can confidently say that I have not committed any injustice or acted negligently. I have never worked this hard in my life. Whatever else you may say, don’t doubt our sincerity regarding justice. We are ready to answer even before God.”

Expressing solidarity with victims’ families, Nazrul said, “If I were the father of a martyr, I would have had the same questions. I might have reacted even more emotionally, more aggressively. That’s understandable.”

He also responded to broader criticism of the judicial process, particularly the visibility of progress. “People ask why the justice process isn’t visible. But we’re broadcasting the proceedings. Chief Prosecutor Tazul Islam provides updates every day. What more can we do—broadcast everything live, even what Tazul does at 2 am?”

Adviser Nazrul accused the Awami League government of committing atrocities during its rule that surpassed even those of Pakistan’s military in 1971. “They burned bodies. They shot injured people. Yes, 25 March was horrific—but it was carried out by a foreign force. I haven’t seen such acts even in footage or first-hand testimony from the Liberation War.”

Nazrul also reassured families of victims that justice would be delivered. “You have no reason to lose hope. I believe you will see verdicts in your cases during our administration, InshaAllah. The evidence and documentation we are building will make it impossible for any future government to abandon these trials.”

The event began with a minute of silence in memory of those killed in the July movement, as well as victims of a recent plane crash at Milestone School and College. Law Secretary Sheikh Abu Taher gave the welcome address, followed by prayers led by Joint Secretary Ruhul Amin of the Law Ministry.

A documentary on the July movement was later screened. Among those present were Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Adviser to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change; Mahmudur Rahman, Editor of Amar Desh; Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Tazul Islam; Mohammad Mohiuddin, father of martyr Yamin; Mir Mostafizur Rahman, father of martyr Mir Mahfuzur Rahman Mugdho; and student representative Arman Hossain from the Judicial Reform Commission.

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