Tribunal Orders Newspaper Ads for Four Fugitives
The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) has ordered that newspaper notices be published to summon four fugitives accused in a war crimes case related to killings in the Chankharpul area of Dhaka.
The notice must be published in one Bengali and one English newspaper by Wednesday, June 4.
The four people named in the notice are:
- Habibur Rahman – Former Commissioner of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP)
- Sudip Kumar Chakraborty – Former Joint Commissioner of DMP
- Shah Alam Md. Akhtarul Islam – Former Additional Deputy Commissioner, Ramna Zone
- Md. Imrul – Former Assistant Commissioner, Ramna Zone
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Tribunal Bench Issues the Order
The order was given by a three-member bench of the International Crimes Tribunal, headed by Justice Golam Mortuza Mojumder.
Other members include:
- Justice Md. Shafiul Alam Mahmud
- Retired District Judge Md. Mohitul Haque Enam Chowdhury
Four Other Accused Brought to Court
On Tuesday, June 3, four other accused who are currently in jail were brought to the tribunal for the hearing.
They are:
- Md. Arshad Hossain – OC (Operations), Shahbagh Police Station
- Md. Sujon Mia – Constable
- Md. Imaje Hossain Emon – Constable
- Md. Nasirul Islam – Constable
What Happened in Chankharpul?
The case is about a brutal incident that took place during the anti-discrimination student protests in Chankharpul, Dhaka, in July-August.
Police used lethal force against unarmed protesters, killing six students.
The victims were:
- Shahriar Khan Anas
- Sheikh Mahdi Hasan Zunaid
- Md. Yakub
- Md. Rakib Howlader
- Md. Ismamul Haque
- Manik Mia Shaharik
Who Is Being Blamed?
According to the investigation report, former DMP chief Habibur Rahman and others were either directly present at the scene or supervised the incident.
They are accused of:
- Giving orders
- Assisting and supporting their subordinates
- Not stopping the crime
- Failing to take any action afterward
These acts fall under “crimes against humanity” according to international law and are punishable offenses under the ICT Act.
What Evidence Has Been Collected?
Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Tazul Islam said that the investigation included:
- Testimony from 79 witnesses
- 19 videos
- 11 newspaper reports
- 2 audio clips
- 11 books and reports
- 6 death certificates
Formal Charges Accepted by Tribunal
On May 25, the tribunal officially accepted the formal charges in the case.
The charges were presented by Chief Prosecutor Tazul Islam.
After reviewing the documents and hearing the details, the tribunal stated that there was enough reason to accept the charges and begin the trial process.
Beginning of a Historic Trial
Chief Prosecutor Tazul Islam told the media that this is the first war crimes case officially taken up by the newly reorganized tribunal.
He said this is the start of a formal trial for crimes against humanity committed in July-August during the public uprising in Dhaka.
“The tribunal accepting the formal charges means the justice process has officially started,” he added.
Source: Jugantor
