Mirza Fakhrul: July 2024 Police Killings Face Re-investigation

In a landmark declaration concerning judicial accountability and the legacy of the 2024 revolution, the newly appointed Minister for Local Government, Rural Development, and Cooperatives, Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, has confirmed that the administration will launch a fresh inquiry into the deaths of law enforcement personnel during the July 2024 mass uprising.

Speaking to journalists on Friday, 27 February 2026, following the inauguration of a new four-storey residential block at the Hajipara Hafezia Madrasa, Orphanage, and Lillah Boarding, the Minister—who also serves as the Secretary General of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP)—clarified the government’s stance on the sensitive issue of police fatalities.

Ensuring Absolute Judicial Transparency

Minister Fakhrul affirmed that the government would strictly adhere to the position articulated by the Ministry of Home Affairs. While the revolution eventually led to the fall of the previous regime, the deaths of police officers during those turbulent weeks remain a subject of legal contention.

“The Home Minister’s statement regarding the re-investigation and trial of police killings during the July uprising is the definitive path,” Mr Fakhrul stated. “Since preliminary investigations have already taken place, we are prepared to facilitate a re-investigation if it is deemed necessary to ensure the truth is upheld. As these matters are currently sub judice, the government will wait for the court’s direction, but our commitment to a transparent and expedited process is unwavering.”

When questioned about criticisms from NCP (Nationalist Congress Party) leaders, who claimed the matter was already resolved and accused the government of unnecessary interference, the Minister replied succinctly: “You should direct that question to the NCP.”


Governance and Electoral Integrity

Beyond the scope of criminal investigations, Minister Fakhrul provided a status update on the country’s administrative health since the new government assumed office on 17 February 2026. He emphasised that the institutionalisation of democracy is a core pillar of the current cabinet.

Governance FocusStatus / Policy Update
July 2024 AccountabilityRe-investigation of police deaths confirmed if required.
Local Government PollsTo be held on schedule as per democratic norms.
National SecurityGeneral law and order reported as “stable” since 17 February.
Institutional ReformPriority on restoring accountability to state institutions.

A Ministerial Homecoming

This visit marked Mr Fakhrul’s first official tour of his constituency in Thakurgaon since being sworn into the cabinet following the 13th National Parliamentary Elections. His return was met with a vibrant reception, beginning with floral tributes at his Kalibari residence after arriving via road from Saidpur.

Addressing the local community, the Minister expressed visible emotion. “I am personally and eternally indebted to the people of Thakurgaon. Your unwavering support across the years allowed us to reach this victory. I urge you all to remain united so that we may work together for a prosperous future.”

The day’s proceedings concluded with the Minister presiding as the Chief Guest at an Iftar Mahfil in Gobindanagar, hosted by the development organisation ESDO—an agency of which Mr Fakhrul was the founding chairman. The event was attended by senior district officials, including the Additional District Magistrate and the Superintendent of Police, underscoring the shift in the country’s political and administrative landscape.

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