Dhaka: As many as 1,730 cases, including 731 murder charges, have been filed nationwide against top leaders of the deposed prime minister Sheikh Hasina’s regime and her now-banned Awami League. These cases allege attempts to suppress the July Uprising through brutal force, according to police reports shared today.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Baharul Alam emphasized the cautious approach being taken in the investigations. “We are working to complete the investigation into the cases in a fair manner to ensure punishment of the perpetrators,” Alam stated, marking the first anniversary of the uprising. The cases, he noted, are of significant importance due to the involvement of prominent figures from the ousted regime, including the deposed premier and other senior party members.
Alam assured that the investigations would not be rushed, as hastiness could allow perpetrators to evade justice. With a substantial number of murder cases linked to the uprising, he highlighted the complexity and time required to conduct thorough investigations. Nonetheless, Alam expressed optimism that a considerable number of investigations would conclude by August next year, with the Police Headquarters actively monitoring the progress.
The police have already submitted charge sheets in 15 cases related to the uprising, including five murder cases. Various regional police units, including Sherpur and Kurigram police, as well as the Chattogram Metropolitan Police, have contributed to the progress by submitting charge sheets in several cases. Senior officers are overseeing the investigations to ensure their integrity.
The uprising, which resulted in significant casualties, saw many top AL leaders and cabinet members incarcerated. A UN fact-finding committee reported that approximately 1,400 people were killed, and around 20,000 were injured during the student-led anti-discrimination movement between July 15 and August 15 last year.
In a related development, Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal (ICT-BD) has received 450 complaints regarding grievous crimes, including extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances, allegedly carried out under the previous government. Chief Prosecutor Muhammad Tajul Islam indicated that probe reports in four cases, including those against former prime minister Sheikh Hasina and two other high-profile individuals, have been submitted. The ICT-1 has commenced recording depositions from prosecution witnesses in these cases.
The chief prosecutor reiterated the determination to bring the masterminds and direct perpetrators to justice, despite not adhering to previous tribunal standards of evidence. The prosecution has recorded statements from over 1,000 witnesses and amassed extensive digital evidence to support the charges.
Sheikh Hasina, accompanied by former home minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal and ex-IGP Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun, faces trial at the ICT for allegedly orchestrating crimes against humanity during the uprising.