Mass Murder, Not Genocide: Chief Prosecutor Clarifies July Killings
Chief Prosecutor Tazul Islam has stated that while mass killings occurred in Bangladesh in July, they do not meet the international definition of genocide. In a Facebook post made on Tuesday, he clarified: “Mass murder means গণহত্যা, genocide means জাতিগত নির্মূল. July-এ বাংলাদেশে গণহত্যা (Mass Murder) হয়েছে—genocide হয়নি। বিভ্রান্তি ছড়াবেন না।” In july Revolution, it occured 'mass murder not 'genocide' in the sense of 'ethnic cleansing'; Don't spread confusion.
The post, written on a black background, received approximately 2,500 reactions and nearly 300 shares within half an hour. In the comment section, he shared copies of six documents to support his statement.
Previously, various media outlets had reported, quoting Tazul Islam, that no genocide had taken place in Bangladesh during July and August. These reports referred to violent incidents, including mass shootings that allegedly resulted in over a thousand deaths in Dhaka and other areas ahead of a mass uprising that led to the fall of the Awami League government.
In response to journalists’ inquiries, Tazul Islam said, “There is no charge or allegation of genocide. Based on the internationally recognized definition, the crimes committed in Bangladesh fall under crimes against humanity, not genocide.” He further added, “What occurred in Bangladesh were mass killings or massacres—genocide, no.”
