The International Crimes Tribunal on Wednesday asked the investigation agency to conclude in a month its probe into allegations of crimes against humanity brought against eight former high-profile law enforcement officials, including former inspector general of police Chowdhury Abdullah Al Mamun.
The tribunal of Justice Md Golam Mortuza Mozumder, Justice Md Shofiul Alam Mahmood and Md Mohitul Haq Anam Chowdhury asked the investigators to submit the investigation report by December 19.
It also ordered the authorities concerned to detain the accused in custody and produce them before the tribunal on December 19.
The prosecution alleged that Chowdhury Abdullah Al Mamun, along with seven other high-ranking officials, orchestrated and facilitated crimes against humanity during the 36-day student-led anti-discrimination movement in the capital and its outskirts between July 1 and August 5.
The accused include retired army major general Ziaul Ahsan, also former director general of the National Telecommunication Monitoring Centre, former Dhaka MEtropolitan Police deputy commissioner for Mirpur division Md Jasim Uddin Mollah, former Dhaka superintendent of police Abdullah Al Kafi, ex-additional superintendent of police for Savar circle Md Shahidur Islam, former officers-in-charge Mazharul Islam Kazal (Gulshan police station) and Abdul Hasan (Jatrabari police station), and former Detective Branch inspector Md Arafat Hossain.
All the accused but Jasim and Shahidur were produced for the first time before the reconstituted tribunal established by the Awami League government in 2009 to try individuals for crimes against humanity committed during the War of Independence.
Their production came days after the tribunal on Monday ordered the detention of 11 high-profile politicians, a retired Supreme Court judge, and a former bureaucrat on similar charges related to the July-August 2024 massacre.
The tribunal on Monday ordered investigators to expedite the probe into the allegations of crimes against humanity brought against 46 individuals, including deposed prime minister Sheikh Hasina and Awami League general secretary Obaidul Quader.
The tribunal also asked the chief prosecutor to execute its October 17 warrant for the arrest of Hasina and submit a compliance report on December 17, the next date for hearing.
Chief prosecutor Mohammad Tajul Islam outlined the prosecution case on Wednesday accusing the law enforcement officials of suppressing the student movement through coordinated violence that resulted in 1,500 deaths and 25,000 injuries.
Tajul emphasised that Chowdhury Abdullah Al Mamun, as the chief of law enforcement, held ‘superior responsibility’ for the alleged crimes.
He argued that instead of preventing the violence, Mamun directed forces to quash the demonstrations.
He leveled sharp criticism at Mamun, accusing him of being the ‘chief commander of Sheikh Hasina’s fascist regime’ until her ouster in the student-led mass uprising on August 5.
Ziaul Ahsan, former NTMC director general, faces grave accusations, including intercepting and leaking private communications of opposition leaders during the movement.
Prosecutors alleged that Ziaul orchestrated an internet and WhatsApp blackout during the protests, effectively crippling communication among demonstrators.
Tajul further accused Ziaul of facilitating operations of Aynaghoor, a clandestine detention centre of enforced disappearances.
Tajul contended that Ziaul’s tenure at the Rapid Action Battalion marked the onset of widespread enforced disappearances, murders, and extrajudicial killings.
Ziaul played a pivotal role in orchestrating enforced disappearances, yet he continued to hold influential government positions despite these allegations, Tajul said, adding that Ziaul publicly opposed the student-led movement through posts on his verified Facebook page.
Ziaul, however, denied the allegations, stating that the internet disruptions were mandated by the government and that his role at the NTMC was limited to overseeing its creation under the Bangladesh Telecommunications Regulatory Commission.
He also denied his involvement in Aynaghoor.
During the tribunal proceedings, Ziaul attempted to speak in his defense but was stopped by the presiding judge, reminding him that his lawyer would address the tribunal on his behalf.
Ziaul was told that he would be allowed to speak after his lawyer’s submission if necessary.
Ziaul instructed his lawyers, MI Farooqui and Nazneen Nahar—his younger sister—to request permission for him to have pen and paper to take notes during the proceedings.
At one point, Ziaul rebuked on-duty police officers when they attempted to restrain him and asked him to stop engaging with bystanders in the courtroom.
At the beginning of Wednesday’s proceedings, the defense team for Ziaul submitted an application questioning the tribunal’s authority to hear cases related to the July-August events under the International Crimes Tribunal Act.
The application was, however, withdrawn after the prosecution argued that it had not been properly filed or submitted to the tribunal.
The tribunal instructed Ziaul’s lawyers to refile the application through the registrar’s office. The matter will be scheduled for a hearing two weeks after proper submission.
Former Gulshan police officer-in-charge Mazharul Islam broke down in court, pleading with the judges to recognise his efforts to support students during the protests.
He later calmed down when the prosecution read out the incidents of killings of five people in fire under his jurisdiction during the movement.
The presiding judge assured the accused, stating, ‘If you are innocent, you will receive justice.’
Six other police officers remained silent while the prosecution read out their roles in attacks on demonstrators during the movement.
Abdul Hossain appeared for accused police Abdul Hasan and Arafat Hossain.
Jasim Uddin Mollah was represented by Mahbubur Rahman, and Mazharul Islam was defended by Mustavi Hasan.
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