Ex-presidents Abdul Hamid, Shahabuddin named in ICT complaints over alleged crimes against humanity

Complaints have been filed with the prosecution of the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) against former presidents Abdul Hamid and Mohammed Shahabuddin, alleging crimes against humanity under the Awami League regime.

The Bangladesh Azad Party and the Rashtra Sanglap Forum submitted separate complaints today (26 July).

Chief Prosecutor Md Aminul Islam told reporters, "I have not read the complaints yet. One was submitted by the Azad Party and another by the Rashtra Sanglap Forum. 

"When complaints are received, we usually forward them to the investigation agency. If these are placed before me, I will send them there. Beyond that, I do not know anything."

The Rashtra Sanglap Forum said its complaint against former president Shahabuddin relates to the July Uprising, including film actor Riaz Ahmed, actress Aruna Biswas, Shomi Kaiser, Rokeya Prachi, Mahiya Mahi, Nipun Akhter, Tanveer Sweety, Hridi Haque, Jyotika Jyoti, actors Saju Khadem, Sohana Saba, Piya Jannatul, Shamima Tusti, Hero Alam, Ashna Habib Bhabna, Simon Sadiq, Sujata Azim, Zayed Khan, Azizul Hakim, Chandan Reza, Asaduzzaman Noor, Maria Kispatta, Shanta Farzana, Momin Mehedi, Soma Islam and journalist Anis Alamgir.

The complaint states that these media personalities were involved in crimes against humanity, incitement, cooperation, incitement or related crimes committed during the July mass uprising. 

"We have filed this complaint through the International Crimes Tribunal in the interest of a neutral, transparent and legal investigation into these allegations," reads the complaint.

Meanwhile, the Bangladesh Azad Party's complaint is against the former presidents Shahabuddin, Hamid and several media personalities.

The Bangladesh Azad Party called for a legal investigation into the role of several individuals from the cultural sector during or in connection with the uprising. 

It named Ferdous Ahmed, Meher Afroz Shaon, Riaz Ahmed, Aruna Biswas, Anis Alamgir, Soma Islam, Maria Kispotta, Pia Jannatul, Shanta Farzana and Momin Mehedi in its complaint.

Speaking to reporters, Al Noor Mohammad Ayas, central member secretary of the Rashtra Sanglap Forum, alleged in the complaint that masked men abducted him from Mohakhali Bus Stand on the night of 18 January 2025 after he led protests at Shahbagh demanding Shahabuddin's resignation.

He alleged that he was physically and mentally tortured and forced to record a video calling for the suspension of the movement before being abandoned in the Karwan Bazar-Banglamotor area the following day. 

He was later admitted to Dhaka Medical College Hospital.

Ayas also called for an investigation into Shahabuddin's alleged role in ordering the shootings, torture, killings and enforced disappearances during the July Uprising. 

He urged an independent investigation into whether Shahabuddin bore any legal responsibility or involvement in the 2024 election, human rights violations and the mass uprising.

Ayas further alleged that Shanta Farzana, Momin Mehdi and several other stars were mocking the July uprising.

"The Awami League will not return in any way in the future. But these friends are sometimes trying to come back as lawyers or academics. However, we will not let that happen," he added.