ICT allows interrogation of Dipu Moni, Rupa, Babu

The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) has permitted investigators to interrogate former minister Dipu Moni, journalist Farzana Rupa, and journalist Mozammel Babu in connection with a crimes against humanity case linked to the 2013 Shapla Chattar incident in Motijheel.

A two-member bench of ICT-1, led by Justice Md Golam Mortuza Majumder, passed the order on Sunday, also setting 10 August for submission of the investigation report.

During the hearing, the prosecution sought permission to question the three individuals separately for one day each, which the tribunal approved. Authorities also requested additional time to complete the investigation, citing ongoing progress.

The case relates to alleged killings during violence surrounding Hefazat-e-Islam’s rally at Shapla Chattar on 5 May 2013. According to investigators, 58 people were reportedly killed across Dhaka, Narayanganj, Chattogram, and Cumilla, while 32 victims have been identified in Dhaka alone.

Several other accused, including former senior officials and security personnel, were also produced before the tribunal during the hearing.

The investigation report, initially scheduled for submission on Sunday, was deferred following the prosecution’s request for more time.