Ex-IGP Mamun becomes states’ witness against Hasina, Kamal

Former inspector general of Police (IGP) Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun has become a state witness in a July-August massacre case.

Admitting his involvement in the crimes against humanity, Mamun told the International Crimes Tribunal-1 (ICT-1) today (10 July) that he would reveal all the secrets related to the massacre.

He said that he had participated in the killings and now wished to testify voluntarily.

The ICT-1, led by Justice Golam Mortuza Majumder, has officially commenced the trial proceedings against ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina and former home minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal for their roles in the massacre.

The opening statement will be given on 3 August and witness testimonies will begin on 4 August.

Standing before the tribunal, the former IGP admitted five allegations against him and expressed his desire to be a state approver in the case. Subsequently, the tribunal gave him the permission to be the state witness.

The other two members of the tribunal were Justice Md Shafiul Alam Mahmud and Justice Md Mohitul Haque Enam Chowdhury.

Chief Prosecutor Tajul Islam along with his team moved for the state, while senior advocate Amir Hossain represented ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina. Advocate Zayed Bin Amjad moved for the former IGP.

Earlier, on May 12, investigators submitted a report naming Sheikh Hasina as the person who ordered the July massacre. The tribunal had asked the investigators to finish the investigation by 20 April.

The case is linked to the student-led movement against discrimination that took place last year. At the time, the-then Awami League government used deadly force against unarmed students and civilians, resulting in the deaths of around 1,500 people.