ICT orders protection for eyewitness in 5 August Chankharpul crimes against humanity case

The International Crimes Tribunal has directed law enforcement agencies to provide protection to a witness who testified in a case concerning crimes against humanity linked to the killing of six people on 5 August during the July–August movement in Dhaka's Chankharpul area.

The witness had reportedly faced security threats.

The order was issued today (14 August) by Tribunal-1 following a request from the prosecution. A three-member investigation committee has also been formed to look into the matter.

Speaking to reporters, Prosecutor Gazi MH Tamim said the witness had testified at the tribunal two days earlier as an eyewitness to the Chankharpul incident. On the day of the court appearance, certain individuals from the same institution allegedly engaged in acts intended to intimidate and harass the witness, including marches and banner displays. The witness submitted photos and videos of these incidents to the prosecution.

The six victims killed in Chankharpul were identified as Shahriar Khan Anas, Sheikh Mahdi Hasan Junayed, Md Yakub, Md Rakib Hawladar, Md Ismamul Haq, and Manik Mia Shahrik.

The formal charges in the case name eight individuals: former Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Habibur Rahman Habib; former Joint Commissioner Sudip Kumar Chakraborty; former Additional Deputy Commissioners of Ramna Zone Shah Alam and Md Akhtarul Islam; former Assistant Commissioner of Ramna Zone Mohammad Imrul; former Inspector of Shahbag Police Station Md Arshad Hossain; and former constables Md Sujan Hossain, Imaj Hossain, and Md Nasirul Islam.

Of these, the last four are currently in jail, while the remaining accused remain at large.

With the submission of the charges, this has become the first case relating to crimes against humanity committed during the July–August movement to be formally presented to the tribunal, initiating the trial process.

Previously, on 20 April, the tribunal's investigation agency submitted a full report to Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Tajul Islam, charging the eight individuals. The four incarcerated accused were produced before the tribunal on 25 May.

According to the case, on 5 August last year, police opened fire with lethal firearms on a peaceful student movement in Chankharpul, resulting in multiple casualties. Members of state forces reportedly participated directly in the operation.

The investigation report states that firearms, armoured personnel carriers (APCs), helicopters, drones, and a large quantity of ammunition were deployed to suppress the movement.

The report further alleges that fugitive accused Habibur Rahman and others were present at the scene and ordered their subordinates to open fire, carrying out the massacre with their direct assistance and instructions.