Firing from Helicopter: ICT issues warrant against ex-RAB DG
Staff Reporter :
The International Crimes Tribunal has issued an arrest warrant against former RAB Director General Harun-ur-Rashid in a case accusing him of mass murder by firing from a helicopter during July-August last year.
The tribunal, led by Chairman Golam Mortuza Mojumdar, issued the order in response to a prosecution petition On Sunday.
Additionally, the tribunal has allowed the investigation agency to interrogate former Sub-Inspector Malek and Constable Mukul in a case concerning the burning of six bodies in Ashulia.
Harun-ur-Rashid served as the RAB DG from June 5 to August 6 last year.
During that period, the prosecution alleged that he ordered helicopter shootings, indiscriminate killings, incitement, and failed to prevent his subordinates from committing such acts.
The prosecution applied for an arrest warrant based on preliminary evidence of his crimes.
The tribunal also issued directives in the case of burning six bodies in Ashulia during the anti-discrimination movement in July-August, involving arrested SI Mohammad Abdul Malek and Constable Mukul Chokdar.
The Chief Prosecutor Tazul Islam stated that evidence of firing from a helicopter during the July-August uprising has been found by the investigation agency.
Again he said that the court has issued an arrest warrant against former RAB Director General Harun-or-Rashid in a murder case. So far, arrest warrants have been issued against 96 individuals, including former ministers, Awami League leaders and police officers.
The Chief Prosecutor noted that the tribunal ordered Harun’s arrest based on these findings, with instructions to present him in court immediately after his arrest. The next hearing is scheduled for March 23.
Tazul Islam emphasized that Harun is being accused of command responsibility, as he orchestrated the crimes committed by his subordinates, including directing helicopter use against protestors.
Despite having the authority to prevent or punish these actions, he neither took any measures nor penalised those involved. Instead, he planned and executed these activities.
He also addressed the Ashulia case, where Constable Mukul and SI Malek are accused of involvement in the burning of bodies.
The court has granted one day each for their interrogation: January 28 for Mukul and January 30 for Malek.
He disclosed this information to journalists on Sunday (January 26) afternoon after leaving the tribunal.
Earlier, in the case of burning six bodies in Ashulia, the tribunal issued arrest warrants against former Member of Parliament Saiful Islam and four police officers.