Dhaka: The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) on Thursday ordered that journalists Mozammel Babu and Farzana Rupa be produced before it on May 14. This directive is in connection with the 2013 Shapla Chattar massacre during a rally organized by Hefazat-e-Islam Bangladesh.
According to United News of Bangladesh, the ICT-1, presided over by Justice Md Golam Mortuza Mozumder, issued this order following petitions from the prosecution. They sought production warrants for the journalists as well as former minister Dr. Dipu Moni. Prosecutor Gazi MH Tamim informed the tribunal that during the May 5, 2013, crackdown at Shapla Chattar, Dipu Moni was serving as foreign minister. She allegedly promoted internationally that law enforcers had ‘eliminated a group of unruly people.’
Tamim further alleged that from the onset, Mozammel Babu and Farzana Rupa portrayed Hefazat’s grand rally as provocative in their broadcasts. They allegedly played a role in diverting the narrative of the Shapla Chattar killings and concealing information regarding the deaths. Consequently, the tribunal ordered that the accused be presented on May 14 and set June 7 as the deadline for the investigation report submission.
Six individuals have been arrested so far in connection with the case. This includes former Inspector General of Police Shahidul Hoque, former Director General of the National Telecommunication Monitoring Centre (NTMC), dismissed Major General Ziaul Ahsan, and Shahriar Kabir. ICT Chief Prosecutor Aminul Islam accused Mozammel Babu and Farzana Rupa of attempting to divert the Shapla Chattar killings narrative and hiding information related to the deaths.
Earlier this week, Islam stated that 58 people killed during the crackdown on the Hefazat rally have been identified. He also revealed the involvement of then Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and other senior government officials, noting that 90 percent of the investigation into the incident is complete. A formal report will be submitted to the tribunal by June 7.
The incident on May 5, 2013, involved a ‘Dhaka Blockade’ program launched by Hefazat to protest alleged insults to the Holy Quran and Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and to press for its 13-point agenda. Thousands gathered in Dhaka, occupying the Shapla Chattar area in Motijheel. A late-night joint forces operation dispersed the gathering amid gunfire, tear gas, and sound grenades. The exact casualty figures have long been disputed, with different organizations providing varying estimates.
Hefazat published a preliminary list of 93 victims in 2025, while human rights group Odhikar reported 61 names in 2021. A 2014 publication titled ‘Shahidnama’ documented 41 deaths. Despite 13 years passing since the event, the trial remains incomplete. The issue resurfaced following political changes on August 5, 2024, after the July uprising and formation of an interim government. Hefazat leader Azizul Haque Islamabadi filed a complaint with the ICT naming Sheikh Hasina and several others as accused, including former ministers and senior security officials.