ICT issues arrest warrant against ex-RAB DG Harun

The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) has issued an arrest warrant against Harun Or Rashid, the former director general of Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), in a genocide case.

The tribunal, led by Justice Md Golam Mortuza Mazumder, issued the warrant today (26 January) following the prosecution's application, according to court sources.

During the hearing, the prosecution said Harun planned and executed mass killings by firing indiscriminately from helicopters to suppress the student movement in July-August. 

The prosecution also said law enforcers are trying to arrest Harun when the tribunal wanted to know where he was.

ICT Chief Prosecutor Tajul Islam said although there was weakness in the beginning, the law enforcement agencies are now active in making arrests.

Meanwhile, the tribunal today also ordered to send two policemen, Sub-Inspector Abdul Malek and Constable Mukul, to prison in connection with the burning of the bodies of six people in Ashulia during the movement.

Law enforcers have also been given permission to be question them for one day each.

Speaking to reporters after the hearing, the chief prosecutor said, "Our investigation has found evidence of mass shootings from helicopter during the protests in July and August. Harun or Rashid, who was an Additional IGP at the time and RAB's DG, executed these plans through his subordinates."

"The crimes committed by RAB under his leadership include grave violations. The tribunal has ordered his arrest and appearance before the court as soon as he is arrested," he added.

The tribunal also set 23 March for next the hearing.

So far, the tribunal has issued arrest warrants against 96 people mostly police officers and some civilians, Tajul also said.