ICT records testimony of Aman Azmi on DGFI abduction and detention

Brigadier General (retd) Abdullahil Aman Azmi, son of former Jamaat-e-Islami ameer Ghulam Azam, testified before the International Crimes Tribunal-1 today (1 February), describing his abduction and prolonged detention at the Joint Interrogation Cell (JIC) under the supervision of DGFI officers.

The testimony was recorded by a single-member bench of ICT-1, headed by Justice Md Mohitul Haque Enam Chowdhury. Thirteen individuals, including former and current military personnel and Sheikh Hasina, are accused in the case. Azmi appeared as the third witness.

Azmi recounted that on the night of 22 August 2016, around 9:30pm, 50-60 people in plain clothes arrived in multiple microbuses outside his residence in Boro Moghbazar. "Several entered my home without asking questions. They demanded I extend my hands for handcuffs. I asked to see their ID and arrest warrants to confirm they were law enforcement. Ignoring my questions, they repeatedly ordered me to comply in an aggressive manner. Fearing physical abuse, I reluctantly extended my hands," he said.

He described being handcuffed, blindfolded, and taken downstairs in a lift before being placed in a microbus. They forced him to wear a cap, which partially lifted the blindfold, allowing him to recognise Lt Col Mokhsurul Haque, a DGFI officer, though he did not reveal this to avoid threats to his life. Azmi said he endured verbal abuse and disrespect throughout.

He further described the violence inflicted on his household: staff were beaten, his wife was harassed, and their domestic helper was touched inappropriately. Their belongings were ransacked, mobile phones and documents seized, and CCTV cameras destroyed. 

Azmi said that he was driven via the Moghbazar flyover to Mohakhali, the RAB headquarters, and finally to the DGFI complex that night, where he was confined in a cell for an extended period, handcuffed and blindfolded.

The tribunal will continue Azmi's testimony tomorrow. Prosecutors Mizanul Islam and Faruk Ahmad represented the state.

Earlier in the day, three accused were produced in court: former DGFI Director Major General Sheikh Md Sarwar Hossain, Brigadier General Md Mahbubur Rahman Siddiqui, and Brigadier General Ahmed Tanvir Mazhar Siddiqui. Ten others, including former prime minister Sheikh Hasina and several retired DGFI and military officials, remain at large.

This case follows charges filed against 13 individuals on 18 December last year, with five allegations formally framed. Previous witnesses include BNP leader Hummam Qader Chowdhury and retired Lt Colonel Hasinur Rahman.