Dhaka: The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT)-2 today ordered the detention of former minister Abdul Latif Siddiqui, following his arrest in connection with a 2013 crimes against humanity case. The case pertains to the May 5 crackdown on a Hefazat-e-Islam Bangladesh rally at Shapla Chattar in the capital, which reportedly resulted in approximately 60 deaths nationwide.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the order was passed by a three-member tribunal led by Justice Nazrul Islam Chowdhury. Siddiqui was presented in court in the afternoon, where Senior Prosecutor Mizanul Islam represented the prosecution, and Advocate Imran Bhuiyan defended the accused.
On July 27, the second tribunal formally accepted charges filed by the prosecution, which accused 41 individuals, including former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, of involvement in the incident. The tribunal had also instructed the authorities to produce those already in custody by August 16 and issued warrants for the arrest of those still at large.
The list of accused encompasses prominent figures such as Dr Mohiuddin Khan Alamgir, Advocate Shamsul Haque Tuku, Hasanul Haq Inu, and Sheikh Fazlul Karim Selim, among others. The charges were officially filed with the ICT Registrar's office by the prosecution on the same day.
Former minister Abdul Latif Siddiqui was apprehended by the Detective Branch (DB) of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) from his residence in Gulshan, Dhaka, on July 29.