July martyrs' families seek review of ICT verdict over Chankharpul killings
The memorandum said that in spite of clear video footage of the incident being available, handing jail terms to the shooters did not reflect the brutality, which contradicts fundamental principles of justice
Families of July martyrs have submitted a memorandum to the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT), expressing dissatisfaction with the verdict in a crimes-against-humanity case related to the killing of six people by police gunfire at Chankharpul in the capital, shortly before former prime minister Sheikh Hasina fled the country.
The memorandum, which calls for a review of the verdict, was submitted to the registrar of the ICT–1 by Motasim Billah Mahfuz, legal cell secretary of the Anti-Discrimination Students' Movement. Family members of July martyrs were present at the time.
The memorandum states that those who lost their lives in the brutal violence during the July 2024 mass uprising will remain eternally remembered as martyrs in history. However, the families said they received with deep concern and disappointment the verdict delivered on Monday (26 January).
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The tribunal sentenced three accused to death. However, those who directly fired shots – some of whom were seen doing so in video footage and were carrying rifles without authorised issuance – received jail terms. One was sentenced to six years in prison, another to four years, and three constables to three years each.
The memorandum said that in spite of clear video footage of the incident being available, handing jail terms to the shooters did not reflect the brutality, which contradicts fundamental principles of justice.
"There is serious doubt as to whether the verdict will withstand scrutiny in the future, as principal offenders were not given adequate punishment while superior officers were handed the death penalty," the memorandum said.
The memorandum urges the tribunal to review the verdict in order to ensure justice and uphold the spirit of the July movement.
The memorandum bears the signatures of several martyrs' family members, including Mir Mahmudur Rahman Dipto, elder brother of martyr Mir Mugdha.
