CID forensic experts testify in crimes against humanity case over Chankharpul killings during uprising
Four of the eight accused officials have been arrested
Two forensic experts from the CID testified before the International Crimes Tribunal against eight police officials, including former DMP commissioner Habibur Rahman in a case over crimes against humanity concerning the killing of six people in police firing at Dhaka's Chankharpul just before former prime minister Sheikh Hasina fled the country.
On the 13th day of testimony, the tribunal recorded and cross-examined the statements of the witnesses before adjourning proceedings until 9 November for the next hearing. The three-member Tribunal-1, headed by Justice Md Golam Mortuza Mojumdar, conducted the proceedings today (2 November).
Testimony began around 11:30am, with forensic expert Rokonuzzaman, an inspector at the CID's forensic division, testifying first. He was followed by sub-inspector Shahed Zobayer Lawrence of the CID's digital forensic lab. Both described the examination of evidence collected in the case. They were later cross-examined by state-appointed lawyers representing the four absconding accused and the defence lawyers for those under arrest. So far, 22 witnesses have testified in the case.
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Prosecutors Gazi MH Tamim and Faruk Ahmad appeared for the state.
Four of the eight accused officials have been arrested, who are former Shahbagh Police Station OC (Operations) Md Arshad Hossain, constables Md Sujan Mia, Md Imaj Hossain Imon, and Md Nasirul Islam.
The absconding accused are former DMP commissioner Habibur Rahman, former joint commissioner Sudip Kumar Chakraborty, former additional deputy commissioner of Ramna Zone Shah Alam Md Akhtarul Islam, and former assistant commissioner of Ramna Zone Mohammad Imrul.
On 14 July, the tribunal framed charges against all eight accused, including the four fugitives, and ordered the trial to begin.
On 5 August 2024, police opened fire on a peaceful student protest at Chankharpul, leaving many injured and killing Shahriar Khan Anas, Sheikh Junaed, Md Yakub, Md Rakib Howlader, Md Esmamul Haque, and Manik Mia Shahrik.
