ICT begins hearing charges against 8 police officers over Chankharpul killings

The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) has begun hearings on framing of charges against eight police officers accused in a crimes against humanity case stemming from the fatal shooting of six unarmed protesters in the capital's Chankharpul area last year.

This marks the first time formal legal proceedings have commenced in connection with the killings during the July-August 2024 student-led mass uprising.

The tribunal has set next Thursday (3 July) as the date for the next hearing, according to court sources.

ICT Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Tazul Islam concluded the prosecution's arguments during today's hearing (29 June), requesting the tribunal to formally indict the accused.

Describing the day as "historic", he emphasised the significance of initiating the first hearing in the case of atrocities committed by former prime minister Sheikh Hasina and her government during the July uprising.

The defence sought more time to argue for the dismissal of charges. The three member ICT-1 led by Justice Golam Mortuza Majumder granted the request and scheduled the next session for Thursday.

The eight accused include former top DMP officials and several junior officers. Among those currently in custody are inspector Arshad, constable Md Sujon, constable Imaaz Hossain Imon, and constable Nasirul Islam.

However, four of the accused in the case remain absconding. They are - former Dhaka Metropolitan Police commissioner Habibur Rahman, former joint commissioner Sudip Kumar Chakraborty, former additional deputy commissioner of Ramna Zone Shah Alam Md Akhtarul Islam, and former assistant commissioner Md Imrul.

On 3 June, the tribunal published newspaper notices summoning the accused to appear before the tribunal.

Despite the public notices, the accused have not appeared before the tribunal. As a result, state-appointed Counsel Md Kutubuddin has been assigned to represent them in court.

The case involves the killing of six individuals on 5 August 2024, during mass protests by students and citizens.

The victims were Shahriar Khan Anas, Sheikh Mahdi Hasan Zunaid, Md Yakub, Md Rakib Hawlader, Md Imam Hossain, and Manik Mia — all reportedly shot dead by police while participating in a peaceful protest at Chankharpul.

The ICT formally took cognisance of the charges on 25 May, following the submission of a 90-page investigation report by its own inquiry agency.

The report, which took six months and 13 days to complete, includes statements from 79 witnesses, 19 video recordings, 11 newspaper reports, two audio recordings, six death certificates, and several books and investigative documents.

Rights organisations and protest leaders have long alleged that the killings were part of a coordinated effort by the then-ruling Awami League government, its affiliated cadres, and loyal segments of law enforcement to crush the anti-discrimination student movement.