Former IGP Shahidul faced 'hostile behaviour' during interrogation, claims his lawyer

Defence counsel for former inspector general of police (IGP) Shahidul Haque has alleged that his client was subjected to "hostile and aggressive behaviour" during interrogation in two crimes against humanity related cases.

The allegation was raised before International Crimes Tribunal-1 today (24 November), according to court sources.

Shahidul Haque is currently in jail after being arrested in connection with two cases – one accusing law enforcers of staging a "militant drama" and killing nine youths in the capital's Kalyanpur in 2016, and another involving allegations of mass killings during the Shapla Chattar operation in 2013.

During today's hearing before a two-member panel led by Justice Md Shafiul Alam Mahmood, lawyer Sifat Mahmud Shuvo claimed that investigators asked his client irrelevant questions and behaved in a "hostile" manner.

Speaking to journalists later, Sifat Mahmud said a case against the former IGP is still under investigation and that he has been taken to the investigation agency multiple times for questioning.

"But during interrogation, several undesirable incidents occurred. He was treated in a hostile and aggressive manner. We highlighted these issues in our application, though the hearing did not take place today," he added.

The defence lawyer further alleged that investigators asked the former IGP questions unrelated to the case, including personal grievances.

"For example, the head of the investigation agency expressed resentment over why he was not promoted under the previous government, and vented frustration at the former IGP. There is no provision for coercive behaviour or threats during interrogation, yet such incidents took place. That is why we brought the matter to the tribunal's attention and sought a hearing date," he said.

A hearing on the matter will be held on the next scheduled date.