Dhaka: The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) Chief Prosecutor Md Aminul Islam today announced that the tribunal’s investigation body has identified 58 people who were killed across the country during the government crackdown on a rally organized by Hefazat-e-Islam Bangladesh at the capital’s Shapla Chattar on May 5, 2013.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, of the 58 identified victims, 32 were killed in Dhaka on May 5, 2013. The following day, 20 people died in Narayanganj, five in Chattogram, and one in Cumilla. “All of the deceased have now been identified,” the Chief Prosecutor stated at a briefing held at his office.
Advocate Md Aminul Islam emphasized that the identities of the accused in the case cannot be disclosed at this stage to ensure a proper investigation. He revealed that approximately 90 percent of the investigation work has already been completed and expressed hope that the probe would be finalized by the next hearing date on June 7.
The ICT Chief Prosecutor also mentioned that statements from the family members of the deceased have been recorded and affirmed that sufficient evidence has been gathered. The list of accused in the case includes former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, among others such as Mohiuddin Khan Alamgir, Shamsul Haque (Tuku), Major General (Retd) Ziaul Ahsan, and several former high-ranking police officials.