Dhaka: International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Tajul Islam today read out a letter, written by martyred school student Shahriar Khan Anas to his mother, before the tribunal. The letter was part of the formal charges filed for the killing of six people, including Anas, in the city’s Chankharpool area during the uprising on August 5 last year.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the reading of the letter occurred in a tribunal room led by Justice Md Golam Murtoza Majumder, where silence prevailed as the chief prosecutor presented the document. Anas, a class ten student, was reportedly shot dead by police along with five others, just hours before the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s government. The letter, written before Anas joined an anti-government procession, expressed his determination to participate in the movement despite parental restrictions.
In his letter, Anas conveyed to his mother that he felt compelled to join the procession and could not remain confined at home. He expressed his regret to his father for leaving home against his wishes and highlighted the courage of others participating in the movement for future generations. Anas wrote about the inevitability of death and his preference for dying heroically over staying idle. He asked for his family’s pride and forgiveness if he did not return.
The tribunal today accepted the formal charge concerning the deaths of six individuals, including Anas, and scheduled the next hearing for June 3. The victims of the police firing at Chankharpool were identified as Shahriar Khan Anas, Sheikh Mahadi Hassan Junaid, Md Yakub, Md Rakib Hawlader, Md Ismail Haque, and Manik Miah.
Eight police officials, including the then commissioner of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Md Habibur Rahman, have been accused in the case. To date, Inspector Arshad, constable Md Sujon, constable Imaz Hossain Imon, and constable Nasirul Islam have been arrested.