Dhaka: Police have submitted a charge sheet against 22 individuals, including ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, in connection with the murder of Jatiyatabadi Sramik Dal worker Riazul Talukder. The incident occurred during the July uprising at the Jatrabari area of the capital.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the investigating officer has sought arrest warrants for 16 of the accused, including Sheikh Hasina and former minister Obaidul Quader, who are reported to be absconding. Police Sub-Inspector Mahiuddin Chowdhury, from the general registration branch of Jatrabari Police Station, confirmed the details. Inspector Najib Ahmed of the Anti-Terrorism Unit, the lead investigator, submitted the charge sheet on August 19.
The court has scheduled a hearing on September 8 to decide on the acceptance of the charge sheet. Among the prominent figures named in the charge sheet are former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, former State Minister for Fisheries and Livestock A J M Enamul Haque, former Dhaka-5 Constituency MP Mashiur Rahman Molla Sajal, former MP Iqbal Hossain Apu, and Nahim Razzaq.
Case documents reveal that on August 4, 2024, thousands of students and public members were rallying at the Jatrabari intersection in support of the one-point movement during the July uprising. The allegation states that leaders and activists of the then-ruling Awami League and its affiliates fired upon the protesters with illegal firearms, allegedly following orders from then-Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Riazul Talukder was killed in the incident.
Subsequently, on September 12, 2024, Riazul's brother, Rubel Talukder, lodged a case with the Jatrabari Police Station concerning the incident.