Twenty-two accused, including former law minister Anisul Huq and former food minister Qamrul Islam, appeared virtually from jail today before a Dhaka court in connection with various cases related to heinous crimes committed during the July Mass Uprising. 

The accused joined the proceedings via video link from Dhaka Central Jail in Keraniganj, according to Dhaka Metropolitan Police prosecution wing ADC Mayeen Uddin Chowdhury. 

Other notable accused appearing virtually include Salman F Rahman, Hasanul Haque Inu, Kamal Ahmed Majumder, Zunaid Ahmed Palak, Dr Dipu Moni, and several others, including retired and sacked military and police officers1.

This legal action is part of ongoing investigations related to the violent July uprising of 2024, which saw widespread protests triggered by controversial government policies and subsequent harsh crackdowns by security forces. 

The uprising resulted in significant casualties, with estimates ranging from over 800 to potentially as many as 1,400 deaths, including many students and children, according to various human rights organizations and United Nations reports234. 

The protests began over a High Court decision to reinstate a quota system in public service jobs but reflected deeper discontent with governance and political corruption

MN/