‘I was excluded from key meetings’, ex-IGP Mamun tells tribunal
Mamun says he tried to dissuade subordinates from attending meetings but they ignored him
Former IGP Chowdhury Abdullah Al Mamun, appearing as a state witness in the crimes against humanity case against Sheikh Hasina and Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, said today (4 September) that despite holding the top post in the force, he was not informed about crucial meetings during the Awami League government's tenure.
"The meetings were often held late at night at the residence of then home minister Asaduzzaman," he said. "I had to rely on sources to learn about such meetings. Even as IGP, I was not officially notified."
Mamun, who had transitioned from being an accused to a state witness, was cross-examined by government-appointed lawyer Md Amir Hossain at the International Crimes Tribunal-1, led by Justice Md Golam Mortuza Majumdar. The session ran from 11:30am to 1:15pm.
Keep updated, follow The Business Standard's Google news channel
Earlier, on 2 September, Mamun gave his statement as a state witness and was partially examined.
During today's' questioning, Mamun said he tried to dissuade his subordinates from attending the meetings but they ignored him. "I didn't take any action against them because the meetings were led by the home minister himself," he told the court.
He also denied allegations linking him to detention cells reportedly operated by the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) at its Uttara compound. "It is not true that I directed the creation of those facilities or ordered anyone's detention there. Barrister Arman was not detained on my orders," Mamun said.
The former IGP further insisted that he had never profited from wrongdoing during his career. He said that while serving as Dhaka range DIG, he had managed his officers in line with regulations, and DIGs were allowed to present their opinions during meetings with the IGP.
Mamun also told the tribunal that in 2018 he learned through sources that then IGP Javed Patwary had advised Hasina to pre-fill half the ballot boxes on the eve of the national election.
"When I became aware of these irregularities, I instructed my subordinates not to take part. Some followed my direction, others didn't," he said.
Mamun also said he was reluctant when a second extension of his IGP tenure was proposed and had even suggested that another officer be appointed based on seniority.
He added that, despite informing the then prime minister's principal secretary of his unwillingness, he was reappointed due to Gopalganj-centred conflicts. Although he was due to retire, his tenure as IGP had been extended by one and a half years with his consent under a contractual arrangement.
