[🇧🇩] International Crimes Tribunal Act & The Crimes Against Humanity

[Saif]

ICT asks IGP to explain Obaidul Quader’s escape

The International Crimes Tribunal on Tuesday directed the police chief to explain how Awami League general secretary and former road transport and bridges minister Obaidul Quader managed to leave the country...

www.newagebd.net

ICT asks IGP to explain Obaidul Quader’s escape
Staff Correspondent 18 December, 2024, 00:03

Obaidul Quader | File photo

The International Crimes Tribunal on Tuesday directed the police chief to explain how Awami League general secretary and former road transport and bridges minister Obaidul Quader managed to leave the country despite an arrest warrant placed on him.

It asked the inspector general of police to submit his detailed explanation within two weeks.

The tribunal, chaired by Justice Md Golam Mortuza Mozumder and joined by Justice Md Shofiul Alam Mahmood and retired district judge Md Mohitul Haq Anam Chowdhury, issued the order during the hearing of crimes against humanity cases.

The tribunal set February 18 for the submission of the investigation reports and ordered the production of all arrested politicians on the same date for further proceedings.

The cases involve deposed prime minister Sheikh Hasina and 45 other Awami League leaders, including Quader, over allegations of genocide and crimes against humanity during the July-August mass uprising.

Chief prosecutor Muhammad Tajul Islam brought to the tribunal’s attention that Obaidul Quader remained inside the country for months after the arrest warrant was issued by the tribunal.

He demanded clarification from law enforcement agencies on Quader’s whereabouts and the circumstances that allowed him to flee the country.

In response, the tribunal ordered the police to submit a report detailing their actions, Quader’s movements, and the mechanisms that facilitated his escape.

At a separate meeting on the day at the Dhaka Divisional Commissioner’s office, home affairs adviser retired Lieutenant Colonel Jahangir Alam Chowdhury admitted that the government was unaware of Quader’s location following the fall of the Awami League government on August 5.

‘We had no information on his whereabouts. If he was in the country, he would have been arrested,’ Jahangir said, responding to the allegations that Quader was inside the country for three months after the Awami League regime’s fall.

Prosecutor Tazul Islam reminded law enforcement officials of their obligation to uphold the tribunal’s directives, warning that non-compliance would be deemed a breach of duty to the state.

‘There is scope under the law to take action against those who aid or facilitate such escapes. For now, we will refrain from taking that route,’ he cautioned.

Tajul also announced that the prosecution would utilise findings from the ‘disappearance commission’ as evidence in the trial.

The Commission of Inquiry on Enforced Disappearance in its interim report recently submitted to the chief adviser identified Sheikh Hasina as a central figure in orchestrating enforced disappearances and linked her to the July-August killings.

The tribunal granted the prosecution two additional months to complete investigation into the cases against Sheikh Hasina and 45 others. It also instructed the police chief to provide updates on the Interpol’s red notice against Hasina.

The tribunal set February 18 for the submission of the investigation reports and ordered the production of all arrested politicians on the same date.

On Tuesday, 16 high-profile individuals, including former ministers, bureaucrats and a retired justice, were brought before the tribunal. They include—former ministers Anisul Huq, Amir Hossain Amu , Qamrul Islam, Faruk Khan, Abdur Razzaque Khan, Kamal Ahmed Majumder, Golam Dastagir Gazi, Rashed Khan Menon and Hasanul Haq Inu, Dipu Moni, Shajahan Khan, Zunaid Ahmed Polak, and former advisers to the primer minister Tawfiq-e-Elahi Chowdhury and Salman F Rahman.

Former justice Shamsuddin Chowdhury Manik and former home secretary Jahangir Alam were also produced before the tribunal in connection with the case.​

 

[Saif]

Internet was shut down on Hasina’s orders

Zunaid Ahmed Palak, former state minister for posts, telecommunications and information technology, has confessed to deliberately shutting down the internet nationwide during the July uprising on former prime minister Sheikh Hasina’s orders.

www.thedailystar.net

Internet was shut down on Hasina’s orders
Palak confesses at ICT

Zunaid Ahmed Palak, former state minister for posts, telecommunications and information technology, has confessed to deliberately shutting down the internet nationwide during the July uprising on former prime minister Sheikh Hasina's orders.

His testimony was recorded by the International Crime Tribunal's investigation agency following a questioning session held on Wednesday, said Chief Prosecutor Md Tajul Islam while addressing journalists at the tribunal yesterday.

"They [Hasina and Awami League lawmakers] wanted to ensure that Bangladesh was disconnected from the rest of the world to hide the instances of mass killings during the protests," Tajul said.

According to the chief prosecutor, Palak also said he had lied by saying that the internet blackout was caused by a fire incident in data centres in Dhaka's Mohakhali and destruction of telecommunication infrastructure by protesters.

"A WhatsApp group was created with International Internet Gateway service providers. A direct order was communicated through this group to shut down the internet immediately. They were asked to confirm after completion of the order," said Tajul.

Tajul said the interrogation was done in the full presence of lawyers. "There was a glass partition between Palak and the investigation agency, and his lawyers. This is as per the international standard. There is no scope for torture or coercion."

The prosecution was expected to submit a probe report against several government officials, including Maj Gen Ziaul Ahsan, yesterday, but the bench granted them an additional two months.

The bench, led by tribunal chairman Justice Md Golam Mortuza Mozumder and members Justice Md Shofiul Alam Mahmood and Judge Md Mohitul Haq Enam Chowdhury, passed the order.​

 

[Saif]

হাসিনার নির্দেশে সারাদেশে ইন্টারনেট বন্ধ করা হয়েছিল: পলক

 

[Saif]

73pc of complaints are related to killings during mass uprising

The chief prosecutor has filed a total of seven cases so far with the tribunal. Five of these cases were filed over killings during the mass uprising

en.prothomalo.com

73pc of complaints are related to killings during mass uprising
Pradip Sarkar
Dhaka
Updated: 21 Dec 2024, 14: 37

International Crimes TribunalFile photo

The office of chief prosecutor of the International Crimes Tribunal has registered more than 180 complaints in the last three months. Analysing some 153 of these complaints, it has been found that 73 per cent of the complaints were lodged over the killings during the mass uprising that ousted the Awami League government after 16 years.

Besides, 23 per cent of the complaints were related to enforced disappearances and killings carried out during the 15-year-rule of the Awami League.

Former prime minister Sheikh Hasina has been named among the accused in 94 of these 153 cases. The accused in these cases also include former Awami League ministers, state ministers, adviser to the former prime minister, former lawmakers, leaders of Awami League and its associate bodies, top leaders of the 14-Party-Alliance, former and serving bureaucrats, former and serving members of law enforcement agencies and former prosecutor of the International Crimes Tribunal.

These 153 complaints were lodged within 8 September to 4 December. Analysing these complaints, it has been found that 111 of these complaints were filed over killings during the mass uprising. Besides, 38 complaints were filed over enforced disappearances and killing under the rule of Awami League government.

Of the remaining four, one was filed seeking exemption from a case filed over crime against humanity during the liberation war.

Sources at the office of the chief prosecutor say it is not possible to directly file cases over genocide and crime against humanity at the International Crimes Tribunal. The victims have to file complaints at the office of the chief prosecutor first. Besides, complaints can be filed to the investigation agency under the chief prosecutor.

The chief prosecutor has filed a total of seven cases so far with the tribunal. Five of these cases were filed over killings during the mass uprising
According to the rule, the investigation agency under the chief prosecutor’s office verifies the complaints first. If the investigators found evidence supporting the complaint, then the chief prosecutor files cases with the tribunal.

The chief prosecutor has filed a total of seven cases so far with the tribunal. Five of these cases were filed over killings during the mass uprising and two were filed over enforced disappearance.

Sheikh Hasina has been accused of genocide during the uprising, enforced disappearances, killings and crimes against humanity. She has been termed as the ‘nucleus’ of these crimes to the tribunal by chief prosecutor Mohammad Tajul Islam.

Obaidul Quader and 44 others were accused in another case filed in connection to the crimes committed during the mass uprising. The other accused in the case include former Awami League ministers, state ministers and lawmakers.

All the complaints are under investigation now. No one will be sued if the complaints are not proven during the primary investigation
BM Sultan Mahmud, Prosecutor, International Crimes Tribunal.

In another case, former top officials of law enforcement agencies, including former IGP Abdullah Al-Mamun, were made accused. Besides, former additional superintendent of police (ASP) in Barishal range Md Alep Uddin and former superintendent of police (SP) at the Rangamati Police Special Training School Md Mohiuddin Faruki have been accused in two cases filed over enforced disappearances.

The Awami League government was forced to resign in the face of a mass uprising of students and people on 5 August. The trials over the enforced disappearances and killings under the Awami League rule are underway at the International Crimes Tribunal. The tribunal was formed for trials of crimes against humanity committed during the liberation war in 1971.

More complaints against the former influentials

Farhan , a student of Dhaka Residential Model College, was shot dead in the capital’s Dhanmondi area during a demonstration on 18 July. A complaint was filed over the incident for the first time in early September. Faiyaz’s father Shahidul Islam filed the complaint.

Among the others from the Sheikh family who have been accused of committing crimes against humanity are Sheikh Rehana, Sajeeb Wazed Joy, Sayma Wazed Putul, Tulip Siddique and Radwan Mujib Siddique.

Among the former ministers and state ministers who have been accused in these cases are Obaidul Quader, AKM Mozammel Haque, Asaduzzaman Khan, Anisul Huq, Hasan Mahmud, Jahangir Kabir Nanak, Hasanul Haque Inu, Rashed Khan Menon, Amir Hossain Amu, Abdur Razzaque, Faruk Khan, Shajahan Khan, Matia Chowdhury (late), Dipu Moni, Kamrul Islam, Mohibul Hasan Chowdhury, Junaid Ahmed, Mohammad Ali Arafat and Kamal Ahmed Majumder and advisers to the former prime ministers Salman F Rahman and Tawfiq-e-Elahi Chowdhury.

International Crimes Tribunal prosecutor BM Sultan Mahmud told Prothom Alo, “All the complaints are under investigation now. No one will be sued if the complaints are not proven during the primary investigation.”

*This report appeared on the print and online versions of Prothom Alo and has been rewritten in English by Ashish Basu​

 

[Saif]

Tribunal issues arrest warrant against ex-MP, 4 cops for burning bodies of protesters

The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) has issued an arrest warrant against Saiful Islam, former lawmaker for Dhaka-19, and four police officials in a case filed over burning bodies of demonstrators in Dhaka’s Ashulia during July-August movement. The arrest warrant was issued by the chairman...

en.prothomalo.com

Tribunal issues arrest warrant against ex-MP, 4 cops for burning bodies of protesters
Staff Correspondent
Dhaka
Updated: 24 Dec 2024, 15: 52

Four police officials were directly linked with the killing and burning bodies of the victims on 5 August Collected

The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) has issued an arrest warrant against Saiful Islam, former lawmaker for Dhaka-19, and four police officials in a case filed over burning bodies of demonstrators in Dhaka’s Ashulia during July-August movement.

The arrest warrant was issued by the chairman of the ICT, justice Md Golam Mortuza Majumder, and the member of the tribunal, retired district and sessions judge Md Mohitul Haque Enam Chowdhury, on Tuesday morning.

A separate case (miscellaneous case) was registered at the ICT today, Tuesday regarding the burning of bodies in Ashulia. With this, a total of eight cases have been registered at the tribunal so far.

Speaking with newsmen over the case, the ICT’s chief prosecutor Mohammad Tajul Islam said, “A submission was made in the tribunal today. Six students were shot dead in the Ashulia area of Savar on 5 August. Their bodies were dragged into a rickshaw. After leaving them there for a while, a police van was brought there and the bodies were taken. The police van was taken in front of a shop near the police station and an attempt was made to set it on fire with petrol so that people don’t understand who killed them. If the police killed them and set the police car on fire, people might think that the students and the public had done the killing. Thus, they set the police van on fire to cover up the killing.”

Tajul Islam said the tribunal's investigation agency had carried out a detailed probe of the incident.

“The investigation revealed that apart from police, Dhaka-19 parliamentary constituency’s the then lawmaker Saiful Islam and Chhatra League men directly shot at the protesters that day. He and four police officials have been identified for their involvement with the incident,” Tajul added.

The tribunal has granted an arrest warrant against these five and asked the authorities to arrest them quickly.

The court has set 26 January as the next hearing day for the case, he added.

The ICT’s chief prosecutor said four police officials were directly linked with the killing and burning bodies of the victims.

“We won’t disclose their names so that they cannot flee. High-ups of the law enforcers have been notified so that those involved cannot escape,” said Tajul, adding that the four cops are not yet sacked from the force.

Tajul also said that an application is being made to issue arrest warrants against those specifically involved in the July-August massacre only after collecting information and evidence.

Prosecutors Gazi Monwar Hussain, BM Sultan Mahmud, Abdullah Al Noman and others were present at the hearing.​

 

[Saif]

July atrocities: Trial of top brass to be completed within a year

The top leaders of the ousted Awami League regime who stand accused of commanding the crimes against humanity during the July uprising will be brought to book within a year, speakers said at a dialogue yesterday.

www.thedailystar.net

July atrocities: Trial of top brass to be completed within a year
Say law adviser, ICT

The top leaders of the ousted Awami League regime who stand accused of commanding the crimes against humanity during the July uprising will be brought to book within a year, speakers said at a dialogue yesterday.

Law Adviser Asif Nazrul said, "Next year, we aim to celebrate the Victory Day by meting out justice to mass murderers."

He added that while amending the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) law, the government intentionally refrained from including any provisions to try the AL as a political party.

"We want this trial process to be internationally accepted. We don't want to give anybody the scope to say this court is politically motivated," the adviser told the National Dialogue-2024, organised by the Forum for Bangladesh Studies at the Krishibid Institute Bangladesh.

Speaking at the same session, ICT Chief Prosecutor Tajul Islam said, "The tribunal cannot bring to justice every single officer or individual involved in crimes against humanity [within the time frame of the interim government]. But we'll bring the 'top commanders' to justice."

He added that this will include Sheikh Hasina and those who acted as deputies in the chain of command. "Let the criminal courts deal with the rest."

The chief prosecutor further said the tribunal, with 17 investigation officers and 10 prosecutors, are being realistic with their ambitions.

Attorney General Asaduzzaman said, "One of our challenges is making sure this tribunal can never be called a 'kangaroo court' and verdicts be questioned.

"We're faced with the reality that many criminal cases are being filed under questionable circumstances and people are being victimised. But we want to assure you that those cases will not impact the processes of the ICT, which will not focus on one or two incidents, but rather attempt to prove that crimes against humanity were committed in the whole."

General Secretary of Biplobi Workers Party Kazi Saiful Haque cautioned against indulging in vengeful tactics and urged upholding the spirit of justice.

He said it has to be decided who had the command responsibility, and who were field officers carrying out the orders. "The kind of justice meted out to each of these two categories will be different."

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Publicity Affairs Secretary Motiur Rahman Akand expressed frustrations at the speed of the judicial process. "It has been 141 days already and we're yet to see any trial successfully completed. We feel the government is not being swift enough."

Speakers also demanded the trial of officers of the Directorate General of Forces Intelligence (DGFI) for their role in perpetrating enforced disappearances.

"The DGFI is not acknowledging that it was linked to enforced disappearances. There needs to be accountability," said Sanjida Islam Tulee, coordinator of Mayer Daak, the platform for victims of enforced disappearance.

Didarul Islam Bhuiyan, a member of the Digital Security Act Victims Network, said, "In this new Bangladesh, we don't want the presence of forces like DGFI or Rapid Action Battalion, that were used as tools of oppression by the past government."

In 2020, Didarul was picked up by men claiming to be Rab officials. He was bound, tortured and then prosecuted under a Digital Security Act case.

Neamul Bashir, presidium member of Liberal Democratic Party, said DGFI needs to be brought to court for its involvement in enforced disappearances.

"Law enforcement units like the police's Counter Terrorism and Transnational Crime Unit, Rab and DGFI were used for political ends."

Law Adviser Asif Nazrul said the government's lawyers have already been instructed to investigate all cases filed with political motives.

"We've asked all the public prosecutors of all districts to investigate and find an estimate of the number of phantom cases filed out of political motivation."

He added that his ministry had gotten an estimate from 51 districts and was waiting for data from the remaining 13.

Zahir Uddin Swapan, media cell convener of the BNP; Jahidul Islam, secretary general of Islami Chhatra Shibir; Ashraf Ali Akand, political adviser to Islami Andolon; Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal leader Amanullah Aman; Barrister Tasnuva Shelley, among others, also spoke, while journalist Monir Haider moderated the dialogue.​

 

[Saif]

Enforced disappearance, extrajudicial killings, July massacre: Govt aims to finish trial of main accused in a year

International Crimes Tribunal chief prosecutor Muhammad Tajul Islam and law adviser Asif Nazrul, among others, on Saturday said that the trials of the prime accused in the cases of...

www.newagebd.net

Enforced disappearance, extrajudicial killings, July massacre: Govt aims to finish trial of main accused in a year
Staff Correspondent 29 December, 2024, 00:43

International Crimes Tribunal chief prosecutor Muhammad Tajul Islam and law adviser Asif Nazrul, among others, on Saturday said that the trials of the prime accused in the cases of enforced disappearance, extrajudicial killings and July-August uprising mass killings would be held within next one year.

The interim government had three priority issues—trial, reforms and election, they said, noting that trial of the killers topped that list.

Their statement came on the second day of a two-day dialogue titled ‘From enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings to July mass killing: challenges of trial’ organised by the Forum for Bangladesh Studies at the Krishibid Institution at Farmgate in Dhaka city.

‘We expect that we will complete the trial of the prime accused in the International Crimes Tribunal in next one year,’ said the tribunal’s chief prosecutor Muhammad Tajul Islam while addressing the dialogue.

He said that their prime focus was to ensure the trial of the incidents of enforced disappearance and crimes against humanity and bring to justice the masterminds who ordered these crimes holding the state’s top posts.

He also said that they wanted the trials to follow the international standard so that they set an example.

Law adviser Asif Nazrul said that they would celebrate the next Victory Day with the verdict of July mass killings trials in the court.

He pointed out four major atrocities allegedly committed during the Awami League regime—Hefazat killings, BDR carnage, enforced disappearance and extrajudicial killings.

‘We are committed to ensure trials of these crimes,’ he said.

He also said that people’s expectation management was the main challenge for the interim government towards fulfilling its commitment.

Stressing importance on unity, Asif Nazrul warned that unity must not be broken despite differences in opinions.

‘Reforms cannot be held without unity,’ said Attorney General Md Asaduzzaman, adding that the main challenge was to keep the unity alive.

‘People from all walks of life took part in the July uprising against the Awami League regime,’ he said.

Supreme Court lawyer Tasnuva Shelley said that the trial of July mass killings would be based on digital evidence.

‘We require digital forensic laboratory and digital experts to crosscheck evidence. Many people are creating digital evidence through artificial intelligence, which is a concern for us,’ Tasnuva added.

Sanjida Islam Tulee, coordinator of Mayeer Daak, a platform for families of the victims of enforced disappearance, said that although the police and Rapid Action Battalion had admitted their crimes, Bangladesh Army and the Directorate General of Forces Intelligence had yet to admit their involvement.

Bangladesh Nationalist Party chairperson’s advisory council member Zahir Uddin Swapan questioned how the interim government would use the state machinery that opened fire against students taking side of the fascist regime.

BNP student organisation Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal organising secretary Kazi Saiful alleged that the Dhaka Metropolitan Police’s Counter Terrorism and Transitional Crimes unit in reality turned into a unit of Chhatra League, the student organisation of Awami League.

‘We haven’t yet seen anyone from the CTTC has been brought to book,’ he said.

Bangladesh Revolutionary Workers’ Party general secretary Saiful Haque, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami publicity secretary Matiur Rahmman Akanda, Bangladesh Islami Chhatrashibir secretary general Jahidul Islam and Student Movement Against Discrimination executive committee member Zahid Ahsan, among others, spoke at the dialogue.​

 

[Saif]

ICT crimes trial should neither be hurried nor delayed

THE chief prosecutor of the International Crimes Tribunal, reconstituted on October 14 to expedite trial related to crimes against humanity and genocide committed during the...

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ICT crimes trial should neither be hurried nor delayed
30 December, 2024, 00:00

THE chief prosecutor of the International Crimes Tribunal, reconstituted on October 14 to expedite trial related to crimes against humanity and genocide committed during the July–August uprising, and the adviser for law to the interim government, installed on August 8 after the August 5 overthrow of the 15 years of authoritarian regime of the Awami League, say that the trial of the prime accused in cases of enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killing and the killing that took place during the uprising would be completed in a year. The chief prosecutor of the tribunal on the second day of a two-day dialouge on the challenges of the trial of enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killing and the mass killing of July, held at Krishibid Institution in Dhaka on December 28, has said that the prime goal is to ensure the trial of enforced disappearances and crimes against humanity and to hold to justice the masterminds of such crimes. The interim government is reported to have three issues on its priority agenda — trial, reforms and elections, but the trial of the killers is reported to be topping the list. The law adviser has said that the next Victory Day would be celebrated with the court verdict of the trial of the killings of July–August.

The crimes of involuntary disappearances, extrajudicial murder and the killing of people during the July–August uprising must, of course, be tried for justice, accountability and reparations to set a precedent that would act as a major deterrent to such crimes in future. The chief prosecutor of the International Crimes Tribunal also says that they want the trial to adhere to international standards to set a precedent. So far, so good. But what remains concerning in all this is the setting of a deadline of a sort for the completion of the trial — a year or before the next Victory Day. The trial should take its own course and the time that it would need. Any deadline for the completion of the trial, especially in the cases that the International Crimes Tribunal would deal with, could entail hurried and, even, delayed justice. There should be no hurry and no delay in the trial of the crimes at hand. Any hurry or delay could also taint the trial and make it controversial. Whilst the investigation should be thorough and credible, it is extremely important that the trial should also remain above any bias and strictly uphold the rule of law to avoid any controversy. Such concern is more pressing as a Supreme Court lawyer has already said that the trial would be based on digital evidence, but many are reported to be creating digital evidence with the help of artificial intelligence.

The trial of the crimes that the International Crimes Tribunal deals with should neither be hurried nor delayed to stop them from falling into controversy. It should take its own course.​

 

[Saif]

Michael Chakma lodges complaint with ICT against Hasina, 8 others

The UPDF leader also handed over a towel (gamchha) to have used for blindfolding during his kidnapping to the ICT.

en.prothomalo.com

Michael Chakma lodges complaint with ICT against Hasina, 8 others
BSS
Dhaka
Published: 30 Dec 2024, 22: 59

Michael Chakma, a leader of the United Peoples Democratic Front (UPDF), on Monday filed an allegation of enforced disappearance with International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) against ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina and eight others.

The UPDF leader also handed over a towel (gamchha) to have used for blindfolding during his kidnapping to the ICT.

ICT Prosecutor Abdullah Al Noman told the journalists that the complainant presented a towel (ganchha) to the prosecution which was used for tying his eyes during the abduction as evidence.

The UPDF leader also described the glassed circled room (Ayna Ghar) where he was forced to stay for more than five years and four months to the ICT.

The UPDF called a siege programme in 2013 during a Khagrachhari tour of the then prime minister Sheikh Hasina when Sheikh Hasina threatened blockaders including me, he added.

The law enforcers questioned him several times during the period of his enforced disappearance as he along with his party men opposed to the Chittagong Hill Tracts Peace accord.

He said he thought that for these reasons, he was kidnapped by the law enforcing agencies.

Michael Chakma was taken away by unidentified quarters from Kanchpur area under Narayanganj district on April 9 in 2019 while returning to Dhaka after his organizational work.

He was released from the confinement on August 7 this year after the fall of fascist Sheikh Hasina's government in the face of the July-August uprising.​

 

[Saif]

ICT gets four more prosecutors

The government on Wednesday appointed four new prosecutors to the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT), bringing the total number of prosecutors to 13. The four newly-appointed prosecutors are -- Md Abdus Sobhan Tarafder, Md Sahidul Islam Sarder, Faruk Ahammed and Md Hasanul Bannah. The solicitor

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

ICT gets four more prosecutors
BSS
Published :
Jan 01, 2025 19:21
Updated :
Jan 01, 2025 19:21

The government on Wednesday appointed four new prosecutors to the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT), bringing the total number of prosecutors to 13.

The four newly-appointed prosecutors are -- Md Abdus Sobhan Tarafder, Md Sahidul Islam Sarder, Faruk Ahammed and Md Hasanul Bannah.

The solicitor wing of the Law and Justice Division issued a gazette notification in this regard, saying the order will come into effect immediately.

Of the four, Md Abdus Sobhan Tarafder was appointed with the status of Additional Attorney General, Md Sahidul Islam Sarder and Faruk Ahammed were appointed with the status of Deputy Attorney General, and Md Hasanul Bannah will enjoy the status of Assistant Attorney General.

Earlier on October 25, the government appointed five prosecutors-SM Moinul Karim, Md Nure Ershad, Siddiqui, Shaikh Mahdi, Tarek Abdullah and Tanvir Hasan Joha.

The government on September 7 appointed four prosecutors, with Supreme Court

Advocate Muhammad Tajul Islam being made the Chief Prosecutor. The three other prosecutors were Gazi Monawar Hossain Tamim, BM Sultan Mahmud and Abdullah Al Noman.​

 

[Saif]

35 cases filed over July killing during Awami League regime were trumped-up

DMP joint commissioner (crime) Faruque Hossain said on Thursday that those final reports were submitted as per law after carrying out investigation

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35 cases filed over July killing during Awami League regime were trumped-up
Asaduzzaman
Dhaka
Updated: 05 Jan 2025, 22: 43

Leaders and activists of Awami League and its affiliated bodies attack the student-people’s movement. Murtafa Bin Omar, vice president of Turag thana Chhatra League, brandishes a firearm. At Azampur in Uttara of the capital city Dhaka. 4 August Prothom Alo

Police had filed at least 35 cases in Dhaka city over the July killing during Awami League’s term. Those trumped-up cases implicated BNP and Jamaat men. However, investigation by police now revealed that BNP and Jamaat men were not involved in those killings of protesters in July last year.

Police, however, could not find out who was involved with killing 62 persons in those 35 cases. Police recently submitted final reports on these 35 cases filed during the Anti-discrimination Student Movement in Dhaka. Lawyers and court sources believe the then ruling Awami League used police to implicate BNP and Jamaat to cover up the involvement of its own activists. It is therefore acceptable that BNP and Jamaat men have now been acquitted but failure to unearth who were responsible for the killings is not acceptable.

A case’s trial is based on the probe report or charge sheet submitted by the police. Submitting a final report instead of a chargesheet means that the investigation of the case remains suspended if the court again orders a probe. Legal experts say it is the duty of police to identify who is involved with a crime. But submitting final reports without finding out who is involved with the crimes will raise questions.

In the final reports of nine out of 35 cases, police stated that the leaders and activists of Awami League and its associate organisations were seemingly involved with these killings. But the investigation officers failed to unearth who those leaders and activists were.

Asked, Dhaka Metropolitan Police’s joint commissioner (crime) Md Faruque Hossain told Prothom Alo on Thursday that those final reports were submitted as per law after carrying out investigation. The court has accepted these.

BNP and Jamaat men were made accused then

A special cell on the July-August mass uprising on 1 January published a draft list of 858 people killed during the movement. Police had filed many cases over some of the incidents before 5 August in Dhaka, which blamed BNP and Jamaat men for the killings, apparently to cover up their own involvement. Also, the relatives of the victims at that time said the killings took place by firing either from police or Awami League leaders and activists.

Prothom Alo on 1 August published a report analysing documents of 34 cases filed with different police stations in Dhaka. The report titled “People killed in firing by criminals, claim police in case statements” found that the statements of these cases are almost identical. The case statements read that leaders of BNP and Jamaat, at the behest of their top leadership, or the miscreants attacked police with firearms, explosives or lethal weapons. The incidents of killing took place by these criminals who were masquerading as quota protesters.

The AL government was toppled in the student-led mass uprising on 5 August and an interim government was formed on 8 August. Subsequently, the relatives of the victims filed cases. The trial of killings during the July-August movement is also taking place in the International Crimes Tribunal. Meanwhile, the police submitted final reports in 35 cases in October, November and December.

Dhaka district and sessions judge court’s chief public prosecutor Omar Faruque Faruqui told Prothom Alo that he is aware of submission of final reports in several cases. These cases were filed by police at that time mainly to save leaders and activists of Awami League and its associate organisations, implicating the BNP and Jamaat men.

He maintained that the cases were mainly faulty. Police submitted final reports in those cases as many of the families of the victims filed fresh cases after the fall of Awami League government.

However, the analysis of the final report shows that in at least 6 cases, the police have said that in the future, the cases will be revived if the names, addresses and evidence of the people involved in the murders are found.

These are the murder case of Rakib Hossain, 23, Maruf Hossain, 20, and Sohag, 19, filed at Rampura police station; the murder case of Arif, 18, Rabiul Islam, 27, and four others from Jatrabari police station; the murder case of Rakib, 22, from Uttara Paschim police station; the murder case of Gani Sheikh, 45, Hannan, 22, and Monir Hossain, 28, from Bhatara police station; the murder case of Hasan, 18, from Badda police station and the murder case of Masud, 40, from Kadamtali police station. In four cases, the police have said that there is another case in the same incident.

Criminal law experts maintain that submitting final reports without detailed investigation is not acceptable.

Supreme Court lawyer ZI Khan Panna told Prothom Alo on Wednesday that proper investigation is the key in murder cases. If investigation is not carried out properly, the chance to deliver justice gets slimmer.

Who are these miscreants

Final reports of at least four cases state that killings took place due to ‘indiscriminate firing by law enforcers or miscreants’ or ‘firing by law enforcers and unknown miscreants’. The four cases were filed with Jatrabari police station. These are: Imam Hasan murder case, Jakir Hossain and Imon murder case, Sohag murder case and Sakib murder case.

Police fire shots at protesting students in Jatrabari of Dhaka on 18 July 2024. Prothom Alo file photo

Final reports of at least four more cases mention that killings took place due to firings by miscreants in association with police. One such case was filed with Jatrabari police station over the killings of Jihad Hossain, 22, and Ibrahim, 13. The police in its final report state, “Unknown miscreants wearing helmets and masks shot at the peaceful protests of students and mass people, leading to deaths of Jihad and Ibrahim.” Similar reasons were attributed to the Ruhan murder case and Jafor Hawlader murder case with Jatrabari police station and Abdul Ahad murder case with Kadamtali police station.

However, the investigators could not identify who were those miscreants who sided with police to attack protesters.

Which police station files how many report

Of the 35 cases, 12 were filed with Jatrabari police station. These cases involved murder of 28 people. Police submitted the final reports in these cases on 28 and 29 October. Kadamtali and Badda police stations have submitted final reports of four cases each, Lalbagh and Mohammadpur three each, Mirpur and Rampura two each and Sutrapur, Banani, Bhatara, Kafrul, New Market and Uttara Paschim police stations have submitted reports in one case each.

On 17 July, a person named Imran was shot to death in Jatrabari during the Anti-discrimination Student Movement. On 27 July, police filed a murder case with Jatrabari police station against unknown persons in this regard. After a three-month investigation, the police could not identify anyone involved in Imran’s murder. Jatrabari police station submitted a final report to the court in the case on 28 October. The final report states that the plaintiff had blamed BNP and Jamaat leaders and activists in the case. But no evidence was found corroborating the claim. Imran was shot dead by miscreants. The final report was submitted without adjourning the case due to lack of evidence.

Dhaka Chief Metropolitan Magistrate (CMM) court on 4 November accepted the final report submitted by the police. Asked about the case, the investigation officer of Jatrabari police station, sub-inspector (SI) Rafiqul Islam Bhuiyan, told Prothom Alo that despite many attempts, he could not identify the people involved in Imran’s murder.

This correspondent spoke to the investigation officers of 12 murder cases. They made almost identical comments that BNP and Jamaat leaders and activists were accused in these cases based on false information. Their investigation found no evidence of involvement of anyone from BNP or Jamaat. Also it was not possible to identify who shot the victims.

A student named Hasan, 18, was shot dead while protesting in front of Canadian University in Badda. Sub inspector Harun-or-Rashid, investigation officer of the case filed over his murder, told Prothom Alo on 28 December that the case would be revived in future if information can be gathered over the incident.

The analysis of the final report shows that in some cases, the police have said that evidence related to the case was destroyed due to the burning of the police station. For example, the final reports from Jatrabari and Bhatara police stations have said that documents and evidence were destroyed in the fire at the police station.

However, some of the families of the victims allege that the police did not even investigate properly. Seven people including one named Wasim were killed in Jatrabari on 18 July. Tamanna Khatun, the sister of Wasim, told Prothom Alo that she does not know whether the police filed a separate case over the murder of her brother. Her brother was shot in the head. The bullet was stuck inside his head. The police have not yet seized her brother’s blood-stained clothes.

Amin Gani, a criminal lawyer, told Prothom Alo that it is very important to seize evidence in any murder case as having evidence is a must for trial of a murder case.

‘Awami League involved’, but no names mentioned

The police in final reports of at least nine cases state that the investigation indicates involvement of leaders and activists of Awami League and associate organisations. However, they could not identify anyone involved with the killings.

Rakib Hasan, 10, was shot dead near Mohammadpur Town Hall Market in the evening of 19 July. Police submitted the final report of the case on 6 November. The report mentioned that Hasan was shot in the head during an attack by Awami League, Jubo League and Chhatra League (now banned) men.

Sohidul Osman, investigation officer of the case, told Prothom Alo that he could not identify any specific person involved with Hasan murder.

‘Important to identify who killed these people’

No matter what is in the FIR of a criminal case or who the plaintiff is, it is the responsibility of police to find out the accused through a proper investigation, collect evidence and witness and conduct forensic tests.

Justice Abdul Matin, retired judge of Appellate Division, told Prothom Alo on Thursday that it is important to identify who killed these people. And it is the police's responsibility to find out.

The court can order reinvestigation of these cases if necessary, Abdul Matin adds.​

 

[Saif]

ICT issues arrest warrants against Hasina, 10 others

The International Crimes Tribunal on Monday issued arrest warrants for deposed prime minister Sheikh Hasina, her former security adviser Tarique Ahmed Siddique, former Inspector General of Police...

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ICT issues arrest warrants against Hasina, 10 others
Staff Correspondent 06 January, 2025, 14:24

Representational image | File photo

Hasina’s security adviser Tarique, ex-IGP Benazir included

The International Crimes Tribunal on Monday issued arrest warrants for deposed prime minister Sheikh Hasina, her former security adviser Tarique Ahmed Siddique, former Inspector General of Police Benazir Ahmed, and eight others over their alleged involvement in enforced disappearances during the Awami League’s 15-year rule.

The tribunal comprising Justice Md Golam Mortuza Mozumder, Justice Md Shofiul Alam Mahmood and retired district judge Md Mohitul Haq Anam Chowdhury, also directed that retired Major General Ziaul Ahsan, a former director of the Rapid Action Battalion, be produced before it on February 12, the date set for the next hearing in the case.

Ziaul is currently in the Dhaka Central Jail in connection with another case involving crimes against humanity during the July-August mass uprising which ultimately led to Hasina’s ouster and fleeing to India on August 5, 2024.

Since the fall of the Awami League government, at least 50 cases related to enforced disappearances, killings, genocide and crimes against humanity have been filed with the ICT.

These cases have implicated Hasina, senior leaders of the Awami League and its 14-party alliance and senior law enforcement officials.

Asked which cases of enforced disappearances prompted the ICT to issue arrest warrants for Hasina and 10 others, the tribunal chief prosecutor, Mohammad Tajul Islam, told reporters that the ICT acted on one of the many complaints it received regarding enforced disappearances during the Awami League regime.

On December 30, 2024, United People’s Democratic Front leader Michael Chakma lodged a written complaint with the International Crimes Tribunal chief prosecutor, accusing Hasina and eight others of crimes against humanity for his alleged enforced disappearance.

On September 23, 2024, the first case of enforced disappearance was filed with the tribunal against Hasina, Dhaka Metropolitan Police detective branch official Mashiur Rahman and 23 Hasina’s associates.

A businessman, Enamul Kabir, filed the complaint.

Enamul alleged that he was abducted from his business premises in Basabo area in the capital Dhaka on November 17, 2018 and held in captivity for 10 days.

Monday’s arrest warrant is the second such warrant issued by the ICT for Hasina.

The first warrant, issued on October 17, 2024, accused Hasina of genocide and crimes against humanity during the July-August uprising.

On the same day, arrest warrants were also issued for 45 others, including Awami League general secretary Obaidul Quader, also former road transport and bridges minister.

Tajul Islam, who filed the petition, said that the eight unnamed individuals against whom arrest warrants were issued were members of various law enforcement agencies.

Tajul accused these agencies of operating under Hasina’s directives to carry out enforced disappearances.

‘Sheikh Hasina established a culture of enforced disappearances, which were systemically executed under her supervision. She bore greater responsibility for these heinous acts,’ Tajul told the tribunal.

The tribunal instructed the inspector general of police to report back on the execution status of the warrants by February 12.

Family members and victims of enforced disappearances attended the International Crimes Tribunal hearing on Monday, expressing hope for justice against those who were responsible for the crimes during the Awami League’s regime.

Sanjida Islam, coordinator of the Mayer Dak, a platform for families of enforced disappearance victims, said, ‘Since the fall of the AL government on August 5, we have been waiting to see the arrest and prosecution of those who were involved in enforced disappearances.’

Sanjida pointed to the systemic involvement of law enforcement agencies in these cases.

‘Whether it was the police, RAB, or the Directorate General of Forces Intelligence, members of the law enforcers were complicit in each case,’ she said.

Dismissed army officer Lieutenant Colonel Hasinur Rahman, a survivor of enforced disappearance, shared his thoughts during the hearing. ‘People can now see how Sheikh Hasina misused government forces to instil fear and maintain control,’ he remarked.

Hasinur was abducted on August 8, 2018 by individuals who identified themselves as Detective Branch personnel. He was released nearly 18 months later and returned home at Mirpur DOHS in the capital Dhaka on February 21, 2020.

The Commission of Inquiry on Enforced Disappearances, in its interim report submitted to the interim government’s chief adviser on December 14, 2024, established prima facie evidence, accusing Sheikh Hasina, her former security adviser Tarique Ahmed Siddique and senior government officials of orchestrating enforced disappearances.

The commission recorded 1,676 complaints of enforced disappearances and scrutinised 758 of them. It estimated that the total number of victims could surpass 3,500.

Commission member Sazzad Hossain said that after the scrutiny it was found that 23 per cent of the victims remained missing, while 77 per cent reappeared.​

 

[Saif]

BNP files two complaints with ICT

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party on Thursday filed two formal complaints with the International Crimes Tribunal, accusing deposed prime minister Sheikh Hasina, her party colleagues and...

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BNP files two complaints with ICT
Staff Correspondent 09 January, 2025, 15:42

Says 2,276 party leaders, activists killed in crossfire, 153 disappeared

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party on Thursday filed two formal complaints with the International Crimes Tribunal, accusing deposed prime minister Sheikh Hasina, her party colleagues and law enforcement agencies of orchestrating crossfires and enforced disappearances during her 15-year tenure.

The complaints alleged that 2,276 BNP leaders and activists were killed in reported crossfires and 153 others, including prominent BNP leaders Ilias Ali and Chowdhury Alam, were subjected to enforced disappearance between 2008 and August 5, 2024.

BNP leader Salauddin Khan, who coordinates investigations into killings and enforced disappearances targeting BNP members, filed the complaints.

Salauddin acted on behalf of BNP secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, said a party statement.

Salauddin was accompanied by his lawyer Nurul Islam Zahid.

The complaint on crossfires accused Hasina, also the Awami League president, of ordering AL activists and law enforcement agencies to carry out targeted killings in the name of crossfires.

It said that the killings were intended to create fear among BNP supporters and dismantle the party.

The complaint also asserted that 153 enforced disappearances, labeled as political abductions, were orchestrated during Hasina’s tenure.

Since the ouster of the AL government on August 5, 2024 in a student-led mass uprising, more 50 cases have been filed with the tribunal against Hasina and her associates on charged of genocide and crimes against humanity for crossfire, enforced disappearance, killing and torture.

On December 30, 2024, the tribunal issued warrants for the arrest of Hasina, her former security adviser Tarique Ahmed Siddique, former inspector general of police Benazir Ahmed, and nine others in connection with three complaints of enforced disappearance.

This marked the second warrant issued for the arrest of Hasina by the tribunal since she fled the country for India in the face of the uprising.

The BNP alleged that the killings and disappearances were part of a systematic effort by the Awami League to destroy political opposition and isolate BNP from the public.

The complaints filed on Thursday seek to hold Hasina and other AL leaders accountable for what the BNP describes as ‘crimes against humanity.’

The ICT is now expected to review the evidence and determine whether to proceed with further legal actions against the accused.​

 

[Saif]

BNP files complaints with ICT against Hasina, others

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) on Thursday filed two complaints with the office of the chief prosecutor of the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT), accusing ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina and a section of AL leaders and law enforcers of playing their roles in unlawful killings and enfo

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

BNP files complaints with ICT against Hasina, others
Killing of 2,276 BNP activists in "crossfires"
FE REPORT
Published :
Jan 10, 2025 08:44
Updated :
Jan 10, 2025 08:44

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) on Thursday filed two complaints with the office of the chief prosecutor of the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT), accusing ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina and a section of AL leaders and law enforcers of playing their roles in unlawful killings and enforced disappearances.

The complaints said 2,276 of its leaders and activists were killed in "crossfires" (extrajudicial killings) between 2008 and August 5 last year. The complaints further said that Elias Ali and Chowdhury Alam had been among the victims of enforced disappearances during the period.

"As per information of BNP, 153 people have so far been killed or kept under detention following their enforced disappearance...It is being requested to take steps to file cases following enquiry and investigation in this regard," the complaints also read.

Mohammad Salauddin Khan, coordinator of BNP's case data collection cell on enforced disappearances and killings, submitted the complaints to the ICT in the morning. Advocate Nurul Islam Jahid was present on the occasion. The complaints were signed by BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir.

Barrister Abdullah Al Noman, one of the prosecutors of the ICT, confirmed the update to the reporters.

In a briefing, Mr Salauddin Khan said, "Hundreds of leaders and activists of our party were killed in crossfires. Many of our leaders and activists, including Salah Uddin Ahmed, Ilias Ali, and Chowdhury Alam, had fallen victim to enforced disappearances. Many are yet to return to their families."

The complaints said the head of the Awami League government, its "goons" and some "over-enthusiastic" members of law enforcing agencies, were bent upon destroying and getting rid of a political party like BNP.

BNP also said that the killing of party activists made their other supporters to leave the country in fear, or abstain from party activities altogether.​

 

[Saif]

Martyr Abu Sayed’s family files complaint against 25 at ICT

A complaint was filed on Monday with the International Crimes Tribunal accusing 24 people on charge of crimes against humanity for the killing of Abu Sayeed, a student activist shot dead on July 16, 2024 during the student-led uprising.

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Martyr Abu Sayed’s family files complaint against 25 at ICT
M Moneruzzaman 13 January, 2025, 20:02

Abu Sayed | Collected photo

BTRC, CID asked to verify voice records of suspects

A complaint was filed on Monday with the International Crimes Tribunal accusing 24 people on charge of crimes against humanity for the killing of Abu Sayeed, a student activist shot dead on July 16, 2024 during the student-led uprising.

Former home minister Asaduzzaman Khan, former Begum Rokeya University vice-chancellor Hasibur Rashid and other high-ranking officials and student leaders were among the accused named in the complaint.

Sayeed’s brother, Ramjan Ali, filed the complaint, at the office of the tribunal’s chief prosecutor.

Ramjan, accompanied by lawyers and Sayeed’s friends, also named 130–135 unidentified people in the case.

The tribunal of Justice Md Golam Mortuza Majumdar, Justice Md Shofiul Alam Mahmood and Judge M Mohitul Hoque Anam Chowdhury directed the Bangladesh

Telecommunication Regulatory Commission and the Criminal Investigation Department to authenticate voice recordings allegedly involving Awami League leaders and their close associates during the uprising.

Prosecutor Tanvir Hassan Zoha sought the tribunal’s order seeking technical assistance for verification of voice records of some influential people.

The killing of Abu Sayeed, who served as the coordinator of the Students Against Discrimination at Begum Rokeya University, was part of a police shooting that claimed six lives on July 16, 2024, during nationwide protests against discrimination. The incident sparked outrage and intensified the student movement.

Ramjan alleged that the murder was orchestrated by senior officials and university leaders, including Chhatra League activists.

Besides Asaduzzaman Khan, others accused in case include then Begum Rokeya University vice-chancellor Hasibur Rashid, proctor and associate professor for political science Shariful Islam, associate professor for mathematics Md Mashiur Rahman, associate professor for public administration Asaduzzaman Mondal, former inspector general of police Abdullah Al Mamun, former Rangpur Metropolitan Police commissioner Md Moniruzzaman, former deputy inspector general of Rangpur division Md Abdul Baten, Rangpur Metropolitan Police commissioner Md Abu Maruf Hossain, additional deputy commissioner Md Shah Nur Alam Patwari, who later promoted as superintendent of police, assistant commissioners Md Arifuzzaman and Md Al Imran Hossain, Tajhat police station officer-in-charge Rabiul Islam, the university’ police outpost in-charge and subinspector Bibhuti Bhusan Roy, assistant subinspector Amir Ali, constable Sujan Chandra Roy, subinspector Tariqul Islam who prepared Sayeed’s inquest report, executive magistrate and assistant commissioner Ahmed Sadat, who signed the inquest report, university employee Nurunnabi and proctor office employee Rafiul Hasan Rasel.

The university unit Chhatra League leaders named in the case include its president Pomel Barua, general secretary Shamim Mahfuz and organising secretary Dhanojoy Kumar Tagore.

On August 18, 2024, Ramjan Ali filed a complaint against the 24 individuals with the court of the chief judicial magistrate in Rangpur.

The police also filed a murder case against unidentified individuals with the Tajhat police station on July 16, 2024.

Chief prosecutor Mohammad Tajul Islam confirmed receiving the complaint.

‘The family has submitted a detailed complaint. We will take appropriate action based on the allegations,’ Tajul said.​

 

[Saif]

Hasina’s voice recordings: ICT orders CID, BTRC to verify evidence

The International Crimes Tribunal yesterday ordered the CID and BTRC to verify the authenticity of key voice recordings and other digital evidence related to Sheikh Hasina and her associates in connection with the 2024 uprising.

www.thedailystar.net

Hasina’s voice recordings: ICT orders CID, BTRC to verify evidence
Abu Sayed’s brother files complaint against her with tribunal

The International Crimes Tribunal yesterday ordered the CID and BTRC to verify the authenticity of key voice recordings and other digital evidence related to Sheikh Hasina and her associates in connection with the 2024 uprising.

The tribunal gave the order after prosecutor Tanvir Hassan Zoha filed a petition requesting its intervention in authenticating the evidence by the Criminal Investigation Department and the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission.

During the hearing on the petition, Zoha informed the court that call records and digital evidence involving ousted prime minister Hasina and others had been collected from various sources. He emphasised that these materials are critical for the trial of crimes against humanity committed during the July-August uprising.

"Once authenticated, the call records and other evidence will be submitted to the court as documentary proof," Zoha told the tribunal. He claimed while technical assistance has been sought from the CID and other relevant authorities, the CID's lack of cooperation caused delays.

"The CID has informed the prosecution that court approval is necessary to proceed with verification. This has created challenges in certifying the evidence, which led us to seek the court's guidance," Zoha added.

Acknowledging the petition's significance, the three-member bench led by Justice Md Golam Mortuza Majumdar directed the CID and BTRC to verify the evidence. Justice Md Shofiul Alam Mahmood and Justice M Mohitul Hoque Anam Chowdhury were also part of the bench.

Chief Prosecutor Muhammad Tajul Islam later told reporters that all digital evidence must be certified by the CID in line with the law before being presented in court.

"We have collected substantial digital evidence from multiple sources. To ensure its certification, we submitted a petition requesting the court to instruct the CID to expedite this process," he said.

Tajul, however, dismissed allegations of a lack of cooperation from government agencies. "This is an ongoing process. There's no need to blame any agency at this stage. If non-cooperation persists, legal measures can be taken under the law, but for now, we seek everyone's cooperation to prevent misunderstandings."

He also said the petition was not limited to obtaining call records for any specific individual but aimed at verifying the certification of all relevant digital evidence.

COMPLAINT OVER ABU SAYED KILLING

A complaint was lodged yesterday with the ICT's prosecution wing against Hasina and 23 others over the killing of Begum Rokeya University student Abu Sayed during the quota reform movement.

Ramzan Ali, elder brother of Sayed, filed the complaint in the evening, Chief Prosecutor Tajul told The Daily Star. He could not give names of other accused.

Ramzan along with a lawyer of a case filed over the murder of Sayed visited the ICT and met with the prosecution team earlier in the afternoon.

After the meeting, Ramzan told reports he visited the court to inquire about the activities of the ICT and did not lodge any complaint.

"We are yet to get justice in any of the cases filed over the killings of martyrs. Only two or three accused in the case over the killing of Abu Sayed have so far been arrested. There is no progress in the trial. So, we came here to discuss the case," Ramzan said.

"The chief prosecutor assured us that the trial of all the killings, not just the trial in Abu Sayed's case, will be held fast," he added.

Ramzan could not be reached over the phone despite repeated attempts after he filed the complaint.

Police shot Abu Sayed during the quota reform protests in Rangpur on July 16. He died soon afterwards.

Sayed's killing sparked widespread outrage and protests that subsequently led to the fall of Hasina on August 5.​

 

[Saif]

KILLING OF MUGHDHO, JAMAAT LEADER: Complaints filed with ICT

The elder brother of Mir Mahfuzur Rahman Mugdho, who was shot dead during the demonstrations of the Student Movement Against Discrimination on July 18, 2024, filed a complaint on Thursday with the International Crimes Tribunal chief prosecutor...

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KILLING OF MUGHDHO, JAMAAT LEADER: Complaints filed with ICT
Staff Correspondent 17 January, 2025, 00:18

The elder brother of Mir Mahfuzur Rahman Mugdho, who was shot dead during the demonstrations of the Student Movement Against Discrimination on July 18, 2024, filed a complaint on Thursday with the International Crimes Tribunal chief prosecutor.

Seeking justice for Mugdho’s death, the complainant accused unidentified individuals of his killing.

A separate complaint was lodged against deposed prime minister Sheikh Hasina and 40 others, accusing them of crimes against humanity in connection with the 2013 killing of Fayez Ahmed, Nayeb-e-Ameer of Jamaat-e-Islami’s Lakshmipur district unit.

On Thursday in a separate order, a tribunal comprising Justice Md Golam Mortuza Majumdar, Justice Md Shofiul Alam Mahmood and Judge M Mohitul Hoque Anam Chowdhury directed the National Telecommunication Monitoring Centre and the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission to preserve all digital data and documents related to the July mass uprising.

The tribunal also instructed mobile operators and internet service providers to assist the ICT investigation. The directives followed an application filed by Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Tajul Islam.

‘The ICT probe body has the jurisdiction to summon individuals, authorities, or documents without prior approval. Nevertheless, we sought and secured a formal order for transparency.’

Mir Mahfuzur Rahman Mugdho’s elder brother, Mir Mahbubur Rahman Snigdho, the chief executive officer of the July Shaheed Smriti Foundation, filed the complaint in connection with the killing of Mugdho who allegedly died after he was shot by the police in Uttara.

Video footage of 25-year-old Mugdho handing out water before his death on July 18 went viral on social media viewed by millions, intensifying protests across the country culminated in the ouster of the Sheikh Hasina-led regime on August 5 last year.

Speaking to journalists, Snigdho revealed that he submitted CCTV footage as evidence and urged the interim government to thoroughly investigate the incident to identify and prosecute those responsible.

‘We’ve taken the initiative to gather evidence ourselves to avoid delays in the pursuit of justice,’ he said, expressing hope that forensic experts would soon identify the culprits.

Recalling the events of July 18, 2024, Snigdho said, ‘When Mugdho was rushed to hospital after being shot, doctors declared him dead. They advised us to take his body away quickly, fearing police interference.’

Dr Fayez Ahmed’s eldest son, Hasanul Banna, filed the complaint against 41 individuals, including Sheikh Hasina, former home minister Mohiuddin Khan Alamgir, former prime minister’s military adviser Tariq Ahmed Siddiqui, former Rapid Action Battalion additional director general Major General Ziaul Ahsan, and former RAB 11 commander Tarek Sayeed Mohammad.

According to Banna’s statement, on December 13, 2013 at 12:30am Dr Fayez Ahmed was forcibly taken to the roof of his house in Trimohoni area, beaten and shot dead. A vehicle bearing Rapid Action Battalion stickers allegedly broke through the gate and abducted Fayez from his second-floor room before killing him.

‘On the roof, my father was brutally beaten with the butt of a firearm, sustaining severe injuries to his head, face and body,’ Banna recounted in his statement. He demanded justice for the murder which he claims was orchestrated to suppress political dissent.​

 

[Saif]

JULY CRIMES AGAINST HUMANITY: ICT orders arrest of 2 AL leaders, 6 police officers

The International Crimes Tribunal on Monday issued warrants for the arrest of two influential Awami League leaders and six police officers for their alleged involvement in committing crimes against humanity during the...

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JULY CRIMES AGAINST HUMANITY: ICT orders arrest of 2 AL leaders, 6 police officers
Staff Correspondent 27 January, 2025, 23:59

The International Crimes Tribunal on Monday issued warrants for the arrest of two influential Awami League leaders and six police officers for their alleged involvement in committing crimes against humanity during the July-August mass uprising in 2024.

A two-member tribunal, comprising Justice Md Shofiul Alam Mahmood and retired judge Mohitul Haque Anam Chawdhury, issued the arrest warrants, responding to four applications filed by chief prosecutor Muhammad Tajul Islam over allegations linked to four complaints lodged with the prosecution’s office.

The identities of the accused were not published at the prosecution’s request to prevent their escape and facilitate their arrests.

One of the applications involves Shah Alam and three other police officers, another liked to the two Awami League leaders and two police officers, and the remaining two relate to separate incidents of alleged crimes during the uprising.

Prosecutor Gazi Monwar Hossain Tamim argued that prima facie evidence supported the allegations against the eight individuals.

He stressed the urgency of the arrests to prevent witness intimidation, protect victims’ families, and preserve evidence.

The tribunal directed the inspector general of police to arrest the four accused police officers and produce them before the court immediately.

It also set February 23 as the deadline for submitting an investigation report into one of the four complaints.

Earlier on Sunday, the tribunal had issued an arrest warrant against former Rapid Action Battalion director general Md Harun-or-Rashid for allegedly ordering helicopter shootings during the mass uprising.

The court had set February 23 for the submission of the investigation report in that case.

Regarding the two Awami League leaders, the tribunal instructed the IGP to ensure their immediate arrest and set March 27 for submitting the investigation report.

In another case, the tribunal issued warrants against two more police officers for alleged crimes against humanity, including one incident in Dhaka’s Mirpur area, with March 24 set for the investigation report.

Chief Prosecutor Muhammad Tajul Islam told journalists that many of the accused police officers were stationed in Dhaka during the uprising and had since been reassigned within and outside the capital.

He said that the ICT has so far issued arrest warrants against 96 individuals, including members of Sheikh Hasina’s cabinet, parliamentarians, and party leaders.

Tajul said that 35 to 40 individuals of them might still be apprehended.

He added that many accused officers of law enforcement agencies fled the country after the fall of the Sheikh Hasina regime on August 5, 2024.​

 

[Saif]

ICT sends ex-Mirpur ADC Moinul, 2 other police officers to jail

The International Crimes Tribunal on Tuesday ordered the detention of three police officers, including Dhaka Metropolitan Police’s former additional deputy commissioner for Mirpur division, Moinul Islam, for their alleged involvement...

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ICT sends ex-Mirpur ADC Moinul, 2 other police officers to jail
Staff Correspondent 28 January, 2025, 23:49

The International Crimes Tribunal on Tuesday ordered the detention of three police officers, including Dhaka Metropolitan Police’s former additional deputy commissioner for Mirpur division, Moinul Islam, for their alleged involvement in committing genocide and crimes against humanity during the student-led mass uprising in 2024.

The two-member tribunal, comprising Justice Md Shofiul Alam Mahmood and retired judge Mohitul Haque Anam Chawdhury, passed the orders after Moinul Islam, Shahbagh Police Station’s former inspector (operations) Mohammad Arshad Hossain, and Rampura Police Station’s former assistant sub-inspector Chanchal Kumar were produced before the tribunal.

Prosecutor BM Sultan Mahmud informed reporters that the arrests were linked to separate cases based on crimes allegedly committed by them in different areas in the capital.

Moinul was accused of committing atrocities in Mirpur, Arshad in Chankharpul, and Chanchal in Rampura and Badda areas.

Arshad Hossain allegedly silenced student protester Nahidul Islam by suffocating him during a demonstration against police brutality.

Chanchal Kumar was accused of hanging a protesting student from a building rooftop in Rampura after shooting him.

Moinul Islam reportedly played a direct role in crimes against humanity in the Mirpur area.

Prosecutors stated that videos and social media evidence of the alleged crimes were collected and presented to the investigators.

The tribunal had issued arrest warrants on Monday for these three officers, along with six other policemen and two Awami League leaders whose identities were kept undisclosed.

Prosecutors revealed that, to date, the ICT had issued arrest warrants against 104 individuals, including former cabinet members, parliamentarians during the ousted Sheikh Hasina’s rule and Awami League leaders.

Following the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s administration on August 5, 2024 amid the student-led mass uprising, many accused law enforcement officers reportedly fled the country.​

 

[Saif]

Trial of Hasina: Students end hunger strike after eight hours in Ctg

Activists of Anti-Discrimination Student Movement in Chattogram city ended their hunger strike tonight after eight hours

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Trial of Hasina: Students end hunger strike after eight hours in Ctg

Photo: Md Rajib Raihan

Activists of Anti-Discrimination Student Movement in Chattogram city ended their hunger strike tonight after eight hours.

The students started the hunger strike in front of Chattogram Press Club around 12:30pm, demanding trial of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina and other accused who were involved in the attack and killing of students in the mass uprising.

Talking to the correspondent, Chattogram Deputy Commissioner Farida Khanom said the students broke their hunger strike around 9:00pm.

They also threatened to announce tougher programme if the interim government does not start the process of trial within next three days, said the DC.

However, the correspondent could not reach any protester for comments in this regard.

Over 30 leaders and activists of the platform led by Russell Ahmed, executive member of the central committee of Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, started the hunger strike.

Earlier, the platform held a protest rally in front of Chattogram Press Club at 11:30am.

Addressing the rally, Russel said they are still forced to take to the streets even six months after the uprising demanding trial of the culprits.

They did not see any visible steps from the interim government regarding the trial of Awami League members including Sheikh Hasina, he alleged.

At one stage of his speech Russel announced to start the hunger strike demanding trial of Hasina and others.

Following his announcement at least 25 activists of the platform started hunger strike on the footpath in front of the press club. Later, they sat on the street blocking vehicular movement on one side of the two-lane road.

DC Farida Khanom met with the protesters in the evening when Home Affairs Adviser Jahangir Alam Chowdhury and Liberation War Affairs Adviser Farooq-e-Azam talked with Russel on the DC's cellphone.

The two advisers requested him to stop their strike but Russel asked for specific timeframe to start the trial and vowed to continue hunger strike.​