Dhaka: Chief Prosecutor of the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) Mohammad Tajul Islam today announced that an investigation report has been received concerning the alleged crimes against humanity in Ashulia, where six bodies of protesters were burned during the anti-discrimination student movement.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the chief prosecutor informed the media that the investigation report is part of a broader inquiry into several cases linked to crimes against humanity, with three to four cases nearing completion. Tajul Islam expressed hope that the remaining reports would be received shortly after the Eid festivities, allowing the formal charges to be submitted to the ICT.
The case in question involves a brutal incident on August 5, where, according to the chief prosecutor, police officers allegedly shot six young men dead in Ashulia, placed their bodies in a police van, and set them on fire. Disturbingly, one of the victims was reportedly still alive when the bodies were ignited.
Following the incident, two identical complaints were lodged with the ICT on September 11, leading to the filing of a case. An arrest warrant was subsequently issued on December 24 against former local Member of Parliament Saiful Islam and several others, with Saiful Islam currently remaining at large. However, key individuals including former Additional Superintendent of Police (Crime and Ops) of Dhaka District Md. Abdullahil Kafi and other police officials have been apprehended.
The anti-discrimination movement, initiated by students in July 2024, was a response to demands for quota reforms in public sector employment. Tensions escalated following a controversial High Court ruling, prompting the previous Awami League government to allegedly deploy law enforcement and party affiliates to suppress the protests through violent means.
The 36-day student-led movement ultimately resulted in the resignation and subsequent flight of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on August 5, marking the end of the Awami League’s 16-year regime. The ICT is currently conducting trials for those implicated in the alleged crimes against humanity during the tumultuous events of July and August.