Identities of 8 July Uprising Martyrs Confirmed Through DNA Testing

The identities of eight martyrs of the July uprising, who were buried as unidentified at Rayerbazar Graveyard, have been confirmed through DNA testing, according to Liberation War Affairs Adviser Farooq-e-Azam. Speaking at a program organized by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) at Rayerbazar Graveyard on Monday, he stated that both local and international experts participated in the highly sensitive process, maintaining international standards.

A total of 114 bodies, both men and women, who were killed during the July uprising in Dhaka, were initially buried as unidentified at Rayerbazar. After exhumation, autopsies, and DNA sample collection, the identities of eight martyrs have been confirmed by matching DNA samples from nine families.

The process involved renowned forensic scientist Dr. Morris Tidball-Binz, who conducted a two-day workshop to train CID forensic teams. Supported by the UNHCR, Dr. Luis Fondebrider led the work, following the Minnesota Protocol for such sensitive cases.

Farooq-e-Azam emphasized that this identification process has provided much-needed relief to the families, as it clarified what happened to their loved ones and where they were laid to rest. He also stated that the efforts reflect Bangladesh's commitment to law, human rights, and international standards, preserving important forensic evidence for potential future judicial proceedings.

Efforts to identify the remaining martyrs will continue until all are returned to their families.