Bangladesh begins exhuming bodies from mass grave linked to 2024 uprising, with 7 recovered

By SM Najmus Sakib

DHAKA, Bangladesh (AA) - Bangladesh has begun exhuming a mass grave in the capital, Dhaka, containing what authorities believe are 114 bodies buried during the uprising that toppled former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s 15-year rule, police officials said.

The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) began the operation on Sunday at the Rayerbazar Graveyard in Dhaka with UN technical assistance, a police official told Anadolu.

CID Additional Deputy Inspector General Md Jamsher Ali said 11 people from seven families have given blood samples for DNA matches, and the process will continue as more relatives step forward.

Ali said seven bodies have been exhumed so far, including four on Monday.

“The job is being done with a combination of local medical forensics and a consultant from the United Nations Human Rights Office (OHCHR) to ensure international and UN standards,” he added.

Anjuman Mufidul Islam, a volunteer organization, buried the bodies of those killed during unrest at the Rayerbazar Graveyard following official clearance during the Hasina government's final weeks in office, according to media reports.

A UN report earlier said about 1,400 people were killed during the July–August 2024 uprising.

CID chief Md Sibgat Ullah said Sunday: “It is our responsibility to the nation to reveal their identities.”

Officials said Argentine forensic expert Luis Fondebrider is leading the process in Dhaka through the OHCHR. The CID chief has conducted similar operations in 65 countries over the last 40 years.

Authorities will create DNA profiles and rebury the remains with religious rites, or hand them over to families if they request it.

Fondebrider said the work will be conducted in accordance with international forensic standards and in coordination with local experts.