4,500 killed in ‘crossfires’, 700 forcibly disappeared under AL rule: Law minister

Law Minister Md Asaduzzaman on Wednesday said that more than 4,500 people were killed in extrajudicial “crossfires” and over 700 were forcibly disappeared during the Awami League’s 16 years in power.

Speaking as the chief guest at a programme organised by the Bangladesh Recitation Federation at the Shilpakala Academy in Dhaka to mark the July Mass Uprising Day, he said the families of those who disappeared were still waiting for their loved ones to return.

State Minister for Cultural Affairs Ali Newaz Mahmud Khaiyam also addressed the event, which was chaired by Bangladesh Recitation Federation President Mehedi Hasan.

“Over these 16 years, more than 4,500 people were killed extrajudicially in so-called crossfires, and over 700 fell victim to enforced disappearances. Their relatives still weep during late-night prayers, waiting for their return,” the law minister said.

He further alleged that more than six million people were implicated in false and fabricated cases solely because of their affiliation with the BNP.

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According to Asaduzzaman, even deceased individuals and citizens performing Hajj were named as accused in fabricated bomb attack and robbery cases.

Paying tribute to those who died during the 2024 uprising, as well as those killed, disappeared or tortured during the 16-year anti-autocracy movement, the minister said their sacrifices had paved the way for a new beginning.

“In just 20 days of the bloody July Uprising, countless brave individuals laid down their lives to grant us freedom and a fresh start. Over 30,000 people lost limbs or eyesight, or live with bullet wounds today. We remember these heroic fighters with profound respect,” he said.