Hefazat publishes list of 93 reportedly killed at Shapla Chattar on 5 May 2013
The events of 5 and 6 May 2013 unfolded when Hefazat-e-Islam held a rally at Shapla Chattar demanding a blasphemy law. In response, the government launched a joint operation involving the police, Rapid Action Battalion, and Border Guard Bangladesh
Hefazat-e-Islam Bangladesh has released a preliminary list naming 93 individuals reportedly killed during the law enforcement crackdown at Shapla Chattar in Motijheel on 5 May 2013. The organisation stated that the number may change after further verification.
"This list is not final. The number may increase or decrease. We are working on preparing the final list, which we hope to publish within this month," said Maulana Mohiuddin Rabbani, central nayeb-e-ameer of Hefazat-e-Islam.
He added that the organisation's senior leaders are holding regular meetings to finalise the names and move forward with legal action.
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The final list is being prepared as part of Hefazat's efforts to file a murder case over the deaths during the Motijheel rally. Human rights group Odhikar had earlier published a separate list with 61 names.
On 27 November 2024, Hefazat submitted a complaint to the prosecution of the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT), accusing former prime minister Sheikh Hasina and 49 others in connection with the incident. A similar case was filed on 18 August the same year, naming Hasina and 33 others and alleging mass killing.
The events of 5 and 6 May 2013 unfolded when Hefazat-e-Islam held a rally at Shapla Chattar demanding a blasphemy law. In response, the government launched a joint operation involving the police, Rapid Action Battalion, and Border Guard Bangladesh.
Local residents reported hearing gunfire during the night-time operation, which was conducted under a complete blackout in the area. The exact number of casualties from the crackdown remains disputed.
