Protest at Secretariat: Families of July Victims Call for Asif Nazrul’s Resignation

Families of July massacre victims and those injured in the violence staged a sit-in in front of the Secretariat on Tuesday, demanding the resignation of Law Adviser Asif Nazrul.

The protest began around 11:15am with a rally at the National Press Club. By 12:30pm, the demonstrators marched to Gate No. 2 of the Secretariat, where they occupied the area and disrupted traffic.

The protesters alleged that individuals accused in the July massacre were securing bail in exchange for money. Alongside the resignation of Asif Nazrul, they also called for the removal of certain judges.

Bulbul Karim, father of martyr Alif Ahmed Siam, said: “Even after a year, justice has not been served for my son’s killing. Instead, the government is mocking us. Criminals accused in the massacre are buying their way to bail, while the Law Adviser has done nothing.”

Rabiul Awal, brother of martyr Tayim, echoed the demand: “We want this adviser to resign.”

Abdul Matin, father of martyr Sheikh Shahriar, said: “For a year we have been seeking justice but only faced deception. We even appealed to the Law Ministry, but they mocked our suffering instead of giving us justice.”

Aminul Islam, who was injured in the July violence, warned: “If the July victims return to the streets, the outcome will not be good. The martyr families and the injured are not afraid of anyone, and the government should keep that in mind.”

Abul Hasan, father of martyr Shahriar Hasan Alvi, expressed his anger: “It is heartbreaking that the government, which rose to power through the sacrifices of thousands of martyrs, has forced us back to the streets after a year, simply to demand the Law Adviser’s resignation. We spoke to him several times, but he only offered empty promises.”