‘58 Shapla Chattar victims identified’

The identities of 58 people reportedly killed during the Hefazat-e-Islam rally at Shapla Chattar in Dhaka on May 5, 2013, have been confirmed, Chief Prosecutor Md Aminul Islam said on Sunday.

Speaking to journalists at his office, Aminul said investigators had received a list containing the names of 61 alleged victims, of whom 58 had so far been identified.

He said the investigation agency of the International Crimes Tribunal had completed a prolonged investigation into the killings and submitted a draft report to the Chief Prosecutor’s Office.

The report will now undergo final scrutiny to ensure that the findings are accurate and that those responsible are brought to justice, he added.

“We have reviewed the draft report. I hope to receive the complete report soon,” Aminul said.
Asked about the possible accused, the chief prosecutor said the draft report mentioned several people, including deposed prime minister Sheikh Hasina, a former inspector general of police and a former director general of Border Guard Bangladesh.

“The names are being verified. Some may be added or removed after the verification process,” he said. Aminul stressed that the final list of accused would become clear only after formal charges were submitted.

He said Hefazat leaders and others who witnessed the incident could provide information or observations relevant to the investigation.

Senior Hefazat leaders, including Abdul Hamid, Mamunul Haque, Mufti Harun Izhar and Mufti Mir Idris, were present at the press conference held at the Chief Prosecutor’s Office.