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Published : 02 Aug 2025, 01:58 PM
Home Advisor Jahangir Alam Chowdhury has announced plans to exhume the bodies of protest victims from last year's July–August quota movement in order to identify those who died in clashes with government forces through DNA tests.
Speaking after visiting the Rayer Bazar graveyard and offering prayers on Saturday, the advisor noted that many of those buried remain unidentified.
“A plan is ongoing to identify them. Earlier, families were unwilling to allow exhumation, but now, most have agreed,” he said.
“Once everyone consents, we’ll proceed with DNA tests. If any families wish to move the bodies to their village homes, we will permit that as well.”
Jahangir added that the process would begin soon.
When asked whether postmortems would be conducted on the exhumed bodies, many of which never underwent autopsy, he said: “Since DNA testing is being done, it will be equivalent to a postmortem. It will be carried out by a team of doctors and a formal committee.”
A total of 114 victims have been buried at the Rayer Bazar graveyard. The Dhaka South City Corporation is building a special marble and tiled boundary around the burial site.
Jahangir criticised the quality of the work, saying: “You should report on corruption. They’re using substandard bricks here.”
Earlier, he visited Mohammadpur Police Station, where he said the local media had played a vital role.
“Our national outlets have remained vocal. Foreign media, on the other hand, are losing momentum,” he said.
In response to security concerns over Aug 5, the first anniversary of the culmination of the Uprising, he said: “No threat exists, thanks to your continued cooperation.”
Asked about arrests in connection with an Awami League programme in Bashundhara and the alleged involvement of an Army officer, the advisor said: “No one will be spared. The matter is under investigation and details will be shared after it's complete.”
