Rampura killings: Prosecution seeks max punishment for ex-DMP chief Habibur, four others
Tribunal adjourns hearing till 3 February
The prosecution at the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT)-1 has pleaded for maximum punishment for five accused, including former DMP commissioner Habibur Rahman, in a case lodged over crimes against humanity committed in the capital's Rampur area during the July uprising, where a youth hanging from the cornice of a building, was shot repeatedly and two others were killed.
The prosecution made the plea in their closing arguments, which was concluded yesterday. At the end of hearing, the tribunal adjourned the hearing till 3 February, when the defence is scheduled to place their arguments.
Prosecutors said police carried out a killing spree in Rampura, as elsewhere, under the former government, describing the shooting of the unarmed Amir Hossain on 19 July 2024 as a clear crime against humanity.
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They told the tribunal that the killings were carried out on direct orders from senior police officials, adding that witness testimony, video footage and documents proved the involvement of all five accused beyond doubt.
According to the case, Amir Hossain fled to a construction site on the Banasree-Meradia road to save his life, but was shot six times while clinging to a roof ledge, surviving with severe injuries, while Nadim and Maya Islam were killed by police gunfire the same day.
On 18 September last year, Tribunal-1 framed charges against five accused and ordered the start of the trial. The prosecution submitted the formal charges on 7 August.
Besides Habibur Rahman, the fugitives include former ADC of Khilgaon Zone Md Rashedul Islam, former OC of Rampura Thana Md Moshiur Rahman, former Sub-Inspector Tariqul Islam Bhuiyan, and former Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) Chanchal Chandra Sarkar. Of the five accused, Chanchal has been arrested and is now facing the trial in person.
