Dhaka, Apr 08 (V7N) – The ‘July Uprising (Protection and Determination of Liability) Act, 2026’ has been passed in the National Parliament, providing legal immunity for participants of the July–August mass uprising. The bill was passed on Wednesday during the 11th day of the first session of the 13th National Parliament through a voice vote.

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed introduced the bill, which was initially promulgated as an ordinance by the interim government.

Under the act, all civil and criminal cases, complaints, or legal proceedings against participants arising from their involvement in the July mass uprising will be withdrawn. Any new cases or complaints related to the uprising are legally prohibited.

If a case has already been filed, the public prosecutor or any government-appointed lawyer can apply to the relevant court citing this law. The court is then required to treat the case as withdrawn, and the accused must be immediately discharged or acquitted.

However, the act makes exceptions for allegations of murder committed during the uprising. Such cases can be investigated by the National Human Rights Commission. Investigations cannot assign responsibility to current or former personnel of the institution or force where the victim worked. Arrests during such investigations require prior approval from the Commission with justified grounds.

If the Commission concludes that an alleged act was a criminal abuse of the chaotic situation, it will submit a report to the relevant court, which will treat it as a police report for further legal proceedings. Conversely, if the act is found to be part of political resistance, the Commission may order compensation to affected families, and no further legal action can be taken regarding that act.

The passage of this bill is expected to shield participants of the July uprising from prosecution while providing a mechanism to investigate serious allegations under independent oversight.

END/SMA/AJ