Chankharpool killings during mass uprising constitute crimes against humanity: ICT chief prosecutor
Tajul has vowed that no one involved in the massacre during last year's July Uprising will evade justice.
The killing of six people in the capital's Chankharpool area during the mass uprising constitute crimes against humanity, Mohammad Tajul Islam, chief prosecutor of the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT), said today (11 August).
"The accused in this case committed crimes against humanity by carrying out the killings, knowing they were part of such widespread and systematic crimes," Tajul said while delivering his opening statement in the trial over the killing of six people, including student Anas, at Chankharpool on 5 August last year during the uprising.
Tajul has vowed that no one involved in the massacre during last year's July Uprising will evade justice.
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Speaking to journalists at the tribunal premises, he said, "Those who thought they could commit genocide in Bangladesh and get away with it, or derail justice through counter-revolution, now have a clear message — criminals will not be spared under any circumstances."
He also said, "The families of the young people who shed their blood to liberate Bangladesh for the second time are still alive. Through their testimony, justice will be ensured for the deaths of more than 1,500 people. The state will fulfil this responsibility."
During today's hearing, Anas's father Palash and mother testified before the tribunal as witnesses.
On 14 July, the tribunal indicted eight accused, including four fugitives, and ordered the trial to begin.
The four arrested accused are: former Shahbagh Police Station officer-in-charge (operations) Md Arshad Hossain, Constable Md Sujon Mia, Md Imaj Hossain Emon, and Md Nasirul Islam.
The fugitives, former Dhaka Metropolitan Police commissioner Habibur Rahman, former joint commissioner Sudip Kumar Chakrabarti, former additional deputy commissioner of Ramna Zone Shah Alam Md Akhtarul Islam, and Assistant Commissioner Mohammad Imrul, failed to appear in court despite public notices being issued.
According to the case document, on 5 August 2024, during a peaceful student protest in Chankharpool, police gunfire killed Anas, Junayed, Yakub, Rakib, Ismamul, and Manik Mia.
The chief prosecutor reiterated that the trial of this killing will not be stopped under any circumstances.
