In a stunning courtroom twist, former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Chowdhury Abdullah Al Mamun has publicly admitted responsibility for crimes committed during last year’s July uprising—an event widely regarded as one of the most harrowing in the country’s recent history.
Appearing before the International Crimes Tribunal-1 on Thursday (10 July), Mamun voluntarily confessed to his involvement in the atrocities that occurred during the crackdown, stating, “I was involved in the July killings.”
He further expressed his willingness to testify as a prosecution witness, offering to cooperate fully with the tribunal.
At the time of the July mass killing, Mamun was serving as the chief of the national police. His admission marks the first high-ranking security official to openly acknowledge complicity in the incident, sending shockwaves through political and legal circles.
On the same day, the tribunal formally indicted former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and two other accused in a case alleging crimes against humanity committed during the July uprising.
The court rejected pleas to discharge the accused, thereby clearing the path for the full trial to proceed.
The three-member bench of the International Crimes Tribunal-1, led by Justice Md Golam Mortuza Mojumder, delivered the indictment order.
The other members of the tribunal are Justice Md Shafiul Alam Mahmud and Judge Mohitul Haque Enam Chowdhury.
With this development, the July massacre case has now officially entered the trial phase, with three prominent figures—including the former head of government—facing charges of crimes against humanity.
Observers noted that Mamun`s unexpected admission could significantly reshape the course of the trial and deepen the historical reckoning surrounding the July events, which left a lasting scar on the national conscience.
