FROM PAGE 12
The four produced before the tribunal are former inspector of Shahbagh Police Station Arshad Hossain; and constables Sujon, Imaz Hossain, and Nasirul Islam.
Shahriar Khan Anas, Sheikh Mahdi Hasan Junayed, Mohammad Yakub, Rakib Hawlader, Ismamul Haque, and Manik Mia were killed as police allegedly opened fire with lethal weapons on unarmed protesters in the capital’s Chankharpool on August 5, 2024, when tens of thousands of protesters marched in Dhaka, ultimately toppling the Sheikh Hasina-led administration and forcing her to flee to India.
Justice Shofiul read the arguments placed by the defence and prosecution. While the four present before the tribunal had their own counsels, the absconding officials were represented by a state-appointed counsel.
“After carefully scrutinising everything, we have found prima facie elements about the alleged involvement of the accused in the commissioning of the crime, which was widespread and systematic. There is sufficient and substantial evidence before the tribunal to frame charges against the accused,” he said.
“You, Dhaka Metropolitan Police commissioner Habibur Rahman ordered subordinates through wireless to fire upon unarmed protesters to subdue a peaceful protest on August 5 (last year) in Chankharpool area.
“Acting on the order, you, Sudip Kumar Chakrabarty, monitored, controlled, and supervised and ordered to open fire on the innocent protesters. You, Shah Alam Md Akhtarul Islam and Imrul Hossain, along with 40–45 armed policemen, went to the spot and ordered to shoot indiscriminately with lethal weapons -- Chinese rifles, shotguns.
“You, Arshad, implemented superior commanders’ instructions and ordered to open fire, lob sound grenades, and teargas shells on the protesters. You, constables Sujan Hossain, Imaj Hossen Emon, and Nasirul Islam, participated and opened targeted fire with Chinese rifles and shotguns under the command of those accused and killed six protesters,” Justice Shofiul read out.
“Therefore, you all eight [mentioned names, designations, and addresses] have been indicted under the International Crimes [Tribunals] Act,” he added.
After reading out the charges in English, Justice Shofiul explained in Bangla to the four in the dock and asked each by turn whether they understood the charges against them.
All four denied the charges, claiming innocence, and demanded justice.