The investigation agency of the International Crimes Tribunal has found primary evidence suggesting that members of the Rapid Action Battalion fired bullets at protesters from helicopters during the July-August mass uprising.
The prosecution presented the findings to the tribunal yesterday, seeking arrest warrants for Md Harun-or-Rashid, the then director general (DG) of Rab.
Following the petition, the tribunal, led by Justice Md Golam Mortuza Mazumder, issued an arrest warrant for Harun-or-Rashid and set a hearing for March 23 to update the court on the investigation’s progress.
If Harun is arrested before that date, he will be presented before the tribunal immediately.
According to the prosecution, Harun-or-Rashid, while serving as the DG of Rab, orchestrated a plan to target protesters, resulting in deaths and injuries.
The alleged plan involved shooting at civilians, torturing and detaining them, and using Rab vehicles to run over protesters. Notably, helicopters were also deployed to carry out these attacks, with subordinate officers following his orders.
ICT Chief Prosecutor Muhammad Tajul Islam said the investigation has gathered preliminary evidence of Harun’s involvement in these crimes. “Harun orchestrated these crimes through Rab. As the DG, he had the authority to prevent or punish the perpetrators but failed to do so,” Tajul said.
He said Harun is being held accountable for command responsibility, as he planned, authorised, and failed to prevent the violence.
The prosecution also revealed that the investigation is continuing, with efforts to identify other individuals involved in these crimes against humanity.
When asked whether Harun is currently in the country, Tajul said authorities are unsure of his whereabouts and that it is the responsibility of law enforcement to locate and arrest him.
As of now, arrest warrants have been issued for 96 individuals, including former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, her cabinet members, police personnel, and former Major General Ziaul Ahsan.
Harun took over as Rab DG on June 5 last year but was relieved of his position after August 5 and subsequently retired.
Rab’s official statements on July 25 and July 30 denied any involvement in firing shots from helicopters during the protests, claiming that only teargas canisters and sound grenades were used.
“No shots were fired from our helicopters. Certain quarters are deliberately attempting to make the use of helicopters controversial,” one statement read.
However, these claims were contradicted by the death of Sumaiya Akter, 20, a mother of a two-month-old daughter, who was fatally shot while standing on her balcony in Siddhirganj, Narayanganj, on July 20.
Sumaiya had reportedly been watching a Rab helicopter fly overhead amid clashes between protesters and law enforcement. Her mother, Asma Begum, alleged that the fatal shot came from the helicopter.
In response to the allegations regarding Rab’s use of firearms, teargas shells, and stun grenades during the uprising, current Rab DG AKM Shahidur Rahman said during a meeting in December last year that the truth would emerge through investigations and appropriate measures would be taken based on the findings.
Meanwhile, the prosecution sought permission from the tribunal to interrogate SI Abdul Malek and Constable Mukul regarding their alleged involvement in the burning of six protesters’ bodies in Ashulia, Savar, during the uprising. The tribunal granted permission and scheduled the interrogations for January 28 and January 30, respectively.
Both Malek and Mukul were produced before the tribunal.
Daily Star
