Mohammad Tajul Islam, the Chief Prosecutor of the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT), announced on Sunday that the investigation report has been received for the case concerning the alleged crimes against humanity related to the burning of six bodies of protesters in Ashulia during the anti-discrimination student movement.
Speaking to the media at his office, Islam revealed that along with the Ashulia case, three to four other cases related to crimes against humanity are nearing the final stages of investigation. He expressed hope that the final investigation reports for these cases will be available soon, likely after Eid. Once the reports are received, formal charges will be submitted to the ICT.
The case in question involves the deaths of six young men on August 5, 2024, during a student protest. According to the prosecutor, the victims were shot dead by police and then placed in a police van where their bodies were set on fire. Disturbingly, one of the victims was reportedly still alive as the bodies were burned.
Following the incident, two separate complaints were filed with the ICT on September 11, 2024, related to the burning of the bodies. Given the similarity of the complaints, a single case was filed.
An arrest warrant was issued on December 24, 2024, for former local MP Saiful Islam and several others accused in connection with the case. Saiful Islam remains absconding. However, former police officials including Md. Abdullahil Kafi, Md. Shahidul Islam, AFM Sayed, Md. Arafat Hossain, SI Malek, and Constable Mukul, have all been arrested in relation to the crime.
The student protests, which began in July 2024 under the banner of the anti-discrimination movement, were initially sparked by demands for reforms in public job quotas. Tensions escalated following a High Court ruling on the issue. In an attempt to suppress the movement, the previous Awami League government allegedly used law enforcement agencies and party affiliates to orchestrate killings, genocidal acts, and other crimes against humanity.
The student protests continued for 36 days and ultimately led to significant political changes, including the resignation of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on August 5, 2024. Her departure marked the collapse of the 16-year rule of the Awami League government.
The ICT is currently conducting trials for those implicated in crimes against humanity during the July-August student movement.
