ICT prosecution seeks trial of 26 over killings of Mugdho, 10 others during July Uprising

Highlights

• ICT seeks trial of 26 over July Uprising killings
• Eleven people, including Mugdho, were allegedly killed in Uttara
• Former MP Habib Hasan and ex-DMP chief among accused
• Prosecution alleges planned crimes against humanity during protests
• Eight accused are in custody; 18 remain absconding
• Tribunal to hear defence discharge pleas on 23 July

The prosecution of the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) has sought to initiate the trial of 26 individuals, including former Dhaka-18 MP Mohammad Habib Hasan and former Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Habibur Rahman, in a crimes against humanity case over the killings of 11 people, including Mir Mahfuzur Rahman Mugdho, during the July Uprising in Dhaka's Uttara.

The application was placed before the three-member International Crimes Tribunal-1, headed by Justice Md Golam Mortuza Mozumder, today (21 July).

Prosecutor Gazi MH Tamim represented the prosecution and read out two charges against the accused. 

He detailed the incidents, including the killings of Mugdho and others, and outlined the alleged role of each accused before requesting the tribunal to frame formal charges.

State-appointed defence lawyer Amir Hossain sought the discharge of two of his clients, Abir and Ashraf, claiming they had been implicated out of political vengeance. Another state defence lawyer, M Hasan Imam, also sought the discharge of his clients.

The tribunal fixed Thursday (23 July) for hearing the remaining defence arguments and discharge petitions filed on behalf of the accused.

Of the 26 accused, eight are currently in custody, while the remaining 18 are absconding.

Those in custody are former additional deputy commissioner of DMP's Uttara Division Mirza Salahuddin, former Uttara East Police Station officer-in-charge Md Mojibur Rahman, former Azampur Police Outpost constable Md Hossain Ali, Uttara West Thana Awami League President Monowar Islam Chowdhury Robin, Jubo League President Md Delowar Hossain Rubel, Awami League leader Md Sohel Rana, Ward Swechchhasebak League Vice-President Md Shah Alam, and Awami League activist Md Irfanul Haque Gazi of Turag Thana.

The fugitive accused include former MP Mohammad Habib Hasan, former DMP commissioner Habibur Rahman, former deputy commissioner of DMP's Uttara Division Kazi Ashraful Azim, former additional deputy commissioner Md Tohidul Islam, former assistant commissioner Suman Kar, former Uttara West Police Station officer-in-charge BM Farman Ali, former Uttara East Police Station inspector (operations) Mahmudul Hasan, former constable Md Abu Sayem, Awami League leader Md Alauddin Al Sohel, former Dhaka North City Corporation councillors Jahangir Hossain, Md Farid Ahmed, DM Shamim, Md Anisur Rahman Naim and Md Afsar Uddin Khan, former Uttara East Police Station sub-inspector Khaled Anwar, former assistant sub-inspector Md Rokonuzzaman, Uttara West Thana Chhatra League Vice-President Murtafa Bin Omar, and Turag Thana Jubo League leader Zakir Hossain.

According to the first charge, seven people, including Bangladesh University of Professionals MBA student Mir Mahfuzur Rahman Mugdho, were killed on 18 July 2024 when law enforcement personnel allegedly opened indiscriminate fire on participants of the anti-discrimination student movement on the Dhaka-Mymensingh highway and adjacent areas in Uttara.

The prosecution further alleged that Uber driver Mokhlesur Rahman, also known as Durjoy, was run over by a police armoured personnel carrier and that his body was subsequently dumped in the Turag River in an attempt to conceal the killing. 

Five others, including Mehedi Hasan, were allegedly shot and seriously injured during the incident.

The second charge alleges that four more people, including Ridwan Sharif Riyad Joy, were killed on 19 July after law enforcement personnel allegedly opened indiscriminate fire on protesters in the same area. 

Raisul Rahman Ratul was also allegedly shot and seriously injured.

The prosecution described the incidents mentioned in both charges as planned, widespread and systematic crimes against humanity committed during the suppression of the July Uprising.