Parliamentary committee endorses indemnity ordinance for July fighters

The special parliamentary committee has expressed its agreement with the indemnity ordinance – promulgated during the tenure of the previous interim government – granting legal protection to those who took part in the 2024 July uprising.

At the same time, the committee has decided to submit a final report by 2 April after reviewing 133 ordinances issued by the interim government, panel members and ministers told the media on Tuesday after its first meeting held at the National Parliament Building’s cabinet room, with committee Chairman Zainul Abedin presiding.

After the meeting, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed told the media, “The parliamentary special committee fully agrees with the ordinance granting indemnity to those who took part in the July uprising.”
Describing the participants as brave fighters, Salahuddin emphasised that ensuring their legal protection is both a moral and a state responsibility.

Regarding the discussions, Law Minister Md Asaduzzaman said, “The review of 133 ordinances issued during the interim government's tenure has already begun.”

“Each ordinance is being thoroughly examined and a comprehensive report will be prepared by 2 April,” he added.  

The minister further clarified that the recommendations of the special committee will not automatically become law.

“Instead, the committee will present its opinions and recommendations to parliament, which will make the final decision on whether they should be enacted,” he added.

Meanwhile, committee Chairman Zainul Abedin said that 40 of the 133 ordinances promulgated during the interim government’s tenure were discussed in detail during Tuesday’s meeting. The remaining ordinances are set to be examined and analysed in the committee's subsequent meetings.

The committee has resolved to vet the necessity and validity of these ordinances before submitting a formal report to Parliament as a matter of urgency. 

Once the scrutiny is complete, the ordinances may be tabled in the House within the coming week. To this end, the Parliament Secretariat has confirmed that the next meeting is scheduled for today at 2pm.
Zainul Abedin noted that committee members held differing views on certain points of the ordinances, which would be finalised following further deliberations. 

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He added that the 133 ordinances had been issued by the interim government to meet the exigencies of the time and that written opinions would be sought if required.

“We expect to complete the scrutiny of all ordinances and present them to Parliament before 2 April. The exact date they will be tabled is yet to be decided, though it is likely to be within a week,” he said.

According to parliamentary rules, decisions on previous ordinances must be made within 30 working days of the formation of a new parliament. 

With 15 days already having elapsed, the special committee now faces the challenge of completing this task within the remaining time.