Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Chief Additional Inspector General Md. Sibgat Ullah today briefed the media at the graveyard near the Rayerbazar Memorial ahead of the operation. Photo: BSS

DHAKA, Dec 7, 2025 (BSS) - The exhumation of 114 unidentified martyrs of the July Uprising has begun at Rayerbazar Graveyard in the capital this morning, as authorities move forward with post-mortem examinations and DNA testing to confirm their identities.

The exhumed bodies will be reburied with due honour once the forensic procedures are complete.

Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Chief Additional Inspector General Md. Sibgat Ullah briefed the media this morning at the graveyard near the Rayerbazar Memorial ahead of the operation.

International forensic expert Louis Fondebrider and a team of forensic anthropologists were also present to oversee the process.

At that time, the CID chief said that they have deep respect for those like Anas who shed their blood and took to the streets for the country.

He also said that the identities of those lying nameless in this graveyard had not been verified. 

It is our responsibility to the nation to reveal those identities, and today marks the beginning of that important task, he added.

CID chief said that forensic expert Luis Fondebrider from Argentina has arrived in Dhaka through the United Nations Human Rights Office and is leading the entire process. He has conducted similar operations in 65 countries over the last 40 years.

He added that several meetings have been held in the ministry regarding this matter. 

The families of the unidentified martyrs have submitted applications, and all the work is being conducted under the orders of the learned court. Bodies are being exhumed from the graveyard for forensic examination in accordance with international standards.

The head of the CID stated that 10 people have already applied for the identification of the bodies. 

However, it is initially estimated that the number of martyrs buried there is more than 114. The exact number will be known after all the bodies are exhumed.

He further said that the bodies will undergo postmortem examinations and DNA samples will be collected. Later, DNA profiles will be created, and the bodies will be reburied with full religious respect.

CID chief mentioned that if the identities of the martyrs of the July uprising are confirmed, the bodies will be handed over to the families if they so wish. After DNA collection, anyone can easily identify their relatives by applying. 

The CID hotline numbers will be announced so that anyone can contact them.

At this time, International forensic expert Luis Fondebrider said he has been working with the CID for the past three months and that the process is being carried out in full compliance with global standards. 

He added that he guarantees the work will be completed in accordance with internationally accepted forensic procedures.

To facilitate the exhumation, the CID's crime scene unit has set up tents and specialised equipment within the cemetery.

This large-scale operation follows a court directive issued on August 4 by Dhaka Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Mohammad Mostafizur Rahman.

The order was made in response to a petition by Sub-Inspector Mahidul Islam of Mohammadpur Police Station, requesting the exhumation of the bodies for legal and identification purposes.

During last year's anti-discrimination movement, the 114 victims were buried as unidentified individuals at Rayerbazar.

The police application noted that exhuming the bodies is essential for proper legal procedures, conducting post-mortem examinations, and collecting DNA samples to confirm their identities.

Once identification is verified, the bodies will be handed over to their families.

Authorities have stated that the process aims to ensure dignity, accountability, and justice for those who lost their lives in the July Uprising.