UPDF leader files complaint against Sheikh Hasina over enforced disappearance

The Report Desk

Published: December 18, 2024, 05:07 PM

UPDF leader files complaint against Sheikh Hasina over enforced disappearance

Source: Collected

Michael Chakma, a leader of the United People‍‍`s Democratic Front (UPDF) from the Chittagong Hill Tracts, has taken a major step by filing a complaint with the International Crimes Tribunal. 

His complaint accuses former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, along with some unidentified individuals, of being responsible for his enforced disappearance.

On the morning of December 18, Michael Chakma filed the complaint. Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Tajul Islam, speaking to reporters after the filing, said, “Michael Chakma has explained in detail how he was abducted. 

From his account, it’s clear he was a victim of enforced disappearance. He has given a similar statement to the commission as well.”

Tajul Islam added that although Chakma has so far only made an oral complaint, he will soon submit a written version. 

However, the Tribunal can still proceed with the investigation based on the oral complaint alone.

Michael Chakma was allegedly abducted on April 3, 2019, from Dhaka during the tenure of the Awami League government. 

For more than five years, he was kept in a secret detention center, without any contact with the outside world.

Detailing the situation, Tajul Islam explained, “His detention followed the same pattern that we’ve heard about in other ‍‍`Ayena Ghar‍‍` stories. 

After years of being held in secret, on August 7, following a long journey, he was blindfolded and tied up before being left in a remote forest area, about 12 kilometers from the Chittagong-Dhaka highway.”

During a press briefing, Michael Chakma shared his experience and said, "I have been a victim of Sheikh Hasina’s revenge. I hold her primarily responsible."

Photographer Shahidul Alam and his wife, Rahnuma Ahmed, were by his side during the briefing.

This case marks a significant moment in Michael Chakma’s ongoing efforts to seek justice for what he describes as years of unlawful detention.

 

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