Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuyain, Adviser to Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives (LGRD), has called for exemplary punishment for those responsible for crimes against humanity committed during the July–August 2024 mass uprising.
He made the plea on Thursday while testifying for the second day as Prosecution Witness (PW-19) in a case being tried by the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT)-1, relating to the killing of six unarmed civilians during police action in Dhaka’s Chankharpul area on August 5, 2024.
Asif, who first testified on October 9, recounted witnessing two people being shot dead in front of him.
He directly accused former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, then-Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, former DMP Commissioner Habibur Rahman and senior police officials of ordering or enabling the deadly crackdown.
He also described being detained by intelligence personnel, who allegedly told him and others that they were arrested under direct orders from then Prime Minister and Home Minister.
“We were told we would be killed if we didn’t back down. Fortunately, DB spared our lives,” he said.
Thursday’s hearing concluded with a cross-examination by defence lawyers, after which the tribunal, led by Justice Md Golam Mortuza Mozumder, adjourned proceedings until October 26.
The case involves eight accused, with four currently in custody and four absconding. Those in custody include former Shahbagh Police OC Md Arshad Hossain, and constables Md Sujon Miah, Md Imaj Hossain Emon and Md Nasirul Islam.
The absconding accused are former DMP Commissioner Habibur Rahman, former Joint Commissioner Sudip Kumar Chakrabarti, former Additional Deputy Commissioner Shah Alam Md Akhterul Islam and former Assistant Commissioner Mohammad Imrul.
The tribunal framed charges on July 14, following the prosecution’s submission of formal charges on May 25; marking the first case filed at the ICT over the 2024 uprising. The 90-page probe report was submitted on April 20.
The six victims killed in Chankharpul incident were identified as Shahriar Khan Anas, Sheikh Mahdi Hasan Zunayed, Md Yakub, Md Rakib Hawlader, Md Ismamul Haque and Manik Miah.
Chief Prosecutor Muhammad Tajul Islam led the prosecution, with several defence lawyers representing the accused, including Advocate Saddam Hossain Ovy, Barrister Sifat Mahmud and Advocate Abul Hasan.
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