Ex-IGP Benazir's associate AL leader sent to jail in enforced disappearance case

The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) has ordered the imprisonment of Awami League leader Rifat Niloy Joardar, described as an associate of former inspector general of police (IGP) Benazir Ahmed, after showing him arrested in a crimes against humanity case over alleged enforced disappearances at the Joint Interrogation Cell (JIC) during the Awami League government.

Judge Md Manjurul Bashid of International Crimes Tribunal-2 passed the order today (24 May). The tribunal also set 23 July for submission of the investigation report.

Prosecutor Zahirul Amin represented the prosecution at the hearing, alongside prosecutors Faruk Ahmad, Dr Mohammad Ali Mia, Tarek Abdullah, Moinul Karim, Abdus Sattar Palowan and others.

The prosecution sought to show Rifat Niloy arrested in the disappearance case and requested more time to submit the investigation report. Following the hearing, the tribunal granted the application and ordered him sent to jail.

Earlier in the day, Rifat Niloy was produced before the tribunal from prison. The prosecution had sought a production warrant against him on 19 May.

According to the prosecution, several individuals, including victim Md Mashiur Rahman, were detained in secret detention facilities controlled by DGFI under the direct instructions and patronage of Rifat Niloy Joardar. It alleged that the detainees were subjected to physical and mental torture, amounting to crimes against humanity based on preliminary findings.

The prosecution also alleged his involvement in systematic enforced disappearances and killings across the country between 2009 and 2024 under the direction of then prime minister Sheikh Hasina and her security adviser Major General (retd) Tarique Ahmed Siddique.

Rifat is currently in jail after being arrested in another case filed with Dhanmondi Police Station.