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Reconciliation of the Awami League ousted by the July People’s Coup should be tried first. Joint investigations, reparations to victims and remorse and punishment of perpetrators will not be redactions. But excessive focus on blame alone will make reconciliation difficult.

The speakers said these things in the session titled ‘Grand Dialogue: Justice, Accountability and Reconciliation’ at Sonargaon Hotel in the capital on Monday. The session was held at the ‘Bay of Bengal Conversation-2026’ organized by the Center for Governance Studies (CGS).

Deputy Speaker Barrister Kaiser Kamal, New Age Editor Nurul Kabir, Rajasthan University Professor Karori Singh, South African Wits University researcher Madalitso Jililo Phiri, Columbia Center for Peace and Conflict Studies Executive Director Nikki Singer participated in it.

The investigation by the United Nations Human Rights Commission has blamed the Awami League and the party’s then leadership for crimes against humanity and indiscriminate killings in the July coup. The International Criminal Tribunal of Bangladesh has also sentenced party president Sheikh Hasina to death for this crime.
However, since August 2024, the reconciliation of Awami League has been discussed in politics. If the banned party has not admitted responsibility for the crime, has not expressed remorse. The interim government attempted to initiate the reconciliation process but it stalled. BNP has a 31-point promise of reconciliation. Like the ruling party, Jamaat-e-Islami also promised to form a ‘Truth and Healing Commission’ in its election manifesto.
However, the deputy speaker said, first the trial of the fascists. Reconciliation will follow. Efforts to shield perpetrators of violence from legal consequences are failing the global reconciliation process. Judicial and political structures need to be rebuilt. In order to ensure, these structures will be engaged in the service of ordinary citizens instead of ruling groups.

Kaiser Kamal believes that trial is only necessary to set a precedent for punishment. He said that the trial of the fascists is not only to punish, but it is necessary to set an example so that no one dares to establish such an authoritarian system in Bangladesh again in the future. At the same time criminals staying abroad should also be brought under justice.

The Deputy Speaker also questioned the motives of those who are singing the praises of Awami League. He said that appeasing the ideas of those at home and abroad who are advocating for the ousted government under the pretext of reconciliation, could push the country towards a terrible and unimaginable conflict.
Kaiser Kamal commented that Awami League’s activities have disqualified them. He said, the criminal, inhumane and cruel actions of the Awami League government have permanently disqualified them from participating in politics. Justice must be ensured for the violence they have used against the people using state institutions. There is no room for reconciliation with the ousted regime of August 5.

Kaiser Kamal said that the fight against the erosion of democratic values ​​around the world requires strong institutions that are capable of curbing the ambitions of dictators. The foundations of these institutions are being laid in Bangladesh.
In response to the question, the Deputy Speaker said that there was a politics of injustice in Bangladesh at one time. The current government, which has brought the people’s mandate, is working to ensure transparency and accountability. The government must bring the July-August killers to justice.

Nurul Kabir commented that three elements are required for reconciliation. He said there should be joint investigation, compensation for victims and guilty pleas and punishment of the perpetrators. Real reconciliation will happen only after these three things are done.

Citing the example of the anti-colonial struggle, Nurul Kabir said many of its societies achieved political independence. Northern Ireland, Colombia and South Africa have been able to achieve reconciliation by creating a framework for resolving protracted conflicts.

Nurul Kabir remarked that reconciliation regarding the legacy of the 1971 Liberation War, the conflict in the Chittagong Hill Tracts, and the July mass uprising has not yet taken place. He noted that those who collaborated with the Pakistani forces in 1971 have still not acknowledged their wrongdoing; many of them are now associated with Jamaat-e-Islami. For reconciliation in the Chittagong Hill Tracts, both Bengali and non-Bengali communities must admit their respective errors.

Nurul Kabir believes that the Awami League needs to express remorse for the sake of reconciliation following the July mass uprising. He stated that those responsible for killing protesters have shown no signs of remorse; instead, they are blaming the hundreds of thousands of demonstrators who took to the streets. Reconciliation cannot begin until the perpetrators acknowledge their actions and accept accountability.

Professor Karori Singh emphasized the need for adequate legal safeguards to prevent government officials from acting arbitrarily.

South Africa has pursued reconciliation since 1994, following the end of apartheid. White individuals who had oppressed Black people for two centuries faced trials and were granted forgiveness upon expressing remorse. Black individuals who had carried out retaliatory attacks against white people faced similar consequences. Madalitso Zililo Phiri from South Africa noted that addressing structural inequalities—including those based on race, region, ethnicity, and gender—is essential for discussions on justice and reconciliation.

Citing Cambodia’s experience with reconciliation, Nikki Singer pointed out that the process of reconciliation can continue for decades even after formal hostilities have ended. However, she cautioned that an excessive focus on assigning blame can make it difficult for society to move forward.

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