In a significant development in the Shapla Chattar case, the International Criminal Tribunal has filed a case related to the brutal actions of Hefazat-e-Islam leaders and activists at Motijheel`s Shapla Chattar in Dhaka, which took place on May 5 and 6, 2013.
The case, addressing crimes against humanity such as killings, torture, and other inhumane acts, has also spread across various other locations in the country.
A total of nine individuals have been named as accused in the case. Among them are the former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Imran H. Sarker, the spokesperson for the Gonojagoron Moncho, a major group involved in the movement during that period.
Despite this, the tribunal has issued arrest warrants for five of the accused, while four others are already in custody for different cases.
These four will be presented before the tribunal as per the orders.
The tribunal, led by Justice Mohammad Golam Mortuza Majumdar, issued its ruling on Wednesday, March 12.
The other two members of the three-member tribunal panel are Justice Mohammad Shafiul Alam Mahmud and retired District and Sessions Judge Mohammad Mohitul Haque Enam Chowdhury.
The five individuals facing arrest warrants include former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, ex-Home Minister Mohiuddin Khan Alamgir, Imran H. Sarker, former Inspector General of Police Hasan Mahmud Khondkar, and former IGP Benazir Ahmed.
On the other hand, the four individuals who are already in custody in relation to other criminal cases are former State Minister for Home Affairs Shamsul Haque Tuku, former IGP AKM Shahidul Hoque, Major General (retd) Ziaul Ahsan, and former Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) Mollah Nazrul Islam.
The tribunal has also instructed that they be brought to court for the next hearing.
The prosecution in the case was represented by Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Tajul Islam and Prosecutor Mizanul Islam.
They were joined in the courtroom by Prosecutors Gazi Monawar Hossain Tamim and B.M. Sultan Mahmud.
The next hearing is set for May 12, when the tribunal will continue to hear the case.
This case has attracted national attention, especially because it involves high-profile political figures from both the ruling party and opposition, making it a significant moment in Bangladesh`s legal and political landscape.
The involvement of such key individuals further intensifies the public`s interest and the importance of the proceedings.
