Legal notice seeks information on those killed in ‘crossfire’ during Awami League rule

A Supreme Court lawyer has served a legal notice seeking the disclosure of comprehensive official information on people killed in so-called "crossfire", "gunfights", "encounters" or other operations conducted by law enforcement agencies during the Awami League's three consecutive terms in office.

The notice also seeks details of those involved in the incidents.

It was sent to the home secretary, inspector general of police, director general of the Rapid Action Battalion, director general of Border Guard Bangladesh and Dhaka Metropolitan Police commissioner.

Supreme Court lawyer and National Lawyers Council Chairman Advocate SM Zulfikar Ali told the media that he sent the notice today (9 July).

The authorities have been requested to take appropriate steps within two weeks of receiving the notice.

Zulfikar said a writ petition would be filed with the High Court if they failed to act accordingly.

The notice seeks a complete list, based on government records, of the total number of people killed in so-called "crossfire", "gunfights", "encounters" or similar operations during the Awami League government's tenure.

It also seeks the names of those killed, their parents' names, addresses and identity details.

The date, time and specific location of each incident have also been sought.

The notice further seeks details of the law enforcement agency involved in the operation in which each person was killed.

It also requests the names, ranks and workplaces of the officers who led the operations, as well as the officers and personnel who participated, based on official records that may legally be disclosed.

The lawyer has also sought the current status and findings relating to the first information report (FIR), general diary (GD), inquest report and autopsy report in each incident.

Information on magistrate inquiry reports, departmental investigation reports and other official investigations has also been sought, where disclosure is permitted by law.

The notice asks for details of any incident identified as an unlawful or extrajudicial killing through a government investigation, judicial inquiry or any other lawful process.

It also seeks the relevant findings and decisions in such cases.

The notice further seeks information on any departmental, administrative or criminal action taken against members of law enforcement agencies.

This includes the names and ranks of the personnel concerned, the action taken against them, the current status of the proceedings and the outcome.

Details of any compensation, rehabilitation or other assistance provided to the families of those killed have also been sought.

The notice further requests information on policies, directives or reform measures adopted by the government or relevant authorities to prevent such incidents in the future.