Two ex-presidents named in ICT complaints
The prosecution of the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) has received complaints seeking an investigation into former President Mohammed Shahabuddin’s alleged role in the shootings, torture, killings and enforced disappearances linked to the July Uprising, along with an independent inquiry into whether he bears any legal responsibility in the 2024 national election, alleged human rights violations and the mass uprising.
The complaints, filed on Saturday (26 July), also accuse former Presidents Mohammed Shahabuddin and Abdul Hamid of crimes against humanity allegedly committed during the Awami League administration.
The complaints were submitted separately by the Bangladesh Azad Party and the Rashtra Sanglap Forum.
Chief Prosecutor Md Aminul Islam said the complaints would be processed in accordance with the tribunal’s standard procedure.
“I have not read the complaints yet. One was submitted by the Azad Party and another by the Rashtra Sanglap Forum,” he told reporters.
“When complaints are received, we usually forward them to the investigation agency. If these are placed before me, I will send them there. Beyond that, I do not know anything,” he added.
According to the Rashtra Sanglap Forum, its complaint centres on Shahabuddin’s alleged role in relation to the July Uprising.
The Bangladesh Azad Party, meanwhile, filed a separate complaint against Shahabuddin, Abdul Hamid and several media and cultural personalities.
The Bangladesh Azad Party also urged the ICT to investigate the role of a number of individuals from the cultural sector during, or in connection with, the July Uprising.
Those named in the complaint include Ferdous Ahmed, Meher Afroz Shaon, Riaz Ahmed, Aruna Biswas, Anis Alamgir, Soma Islam, Maria Kispotta, Pia Jannatul, Shanta Farzana and Momin Mehedi.
The Rashtra Sanglap Forum’s complaint also includes allegations made by its Central Member Secretary, Al Noor Mohammad Ayas, who claimed he was abducted by masked men from Mohakhali Bus Stand on the night of 18 January 2025 after leading demonstrations at Shahbagh demanding Shahabuddin’s resignation.
Ayas alleged that he was subjected to physical and psychological torture during his captivity and was forced to record a video calling for the suspension of the protest movement.
He further claimed that he was abandoned in the Karwan Bazar–Banglamotor area the following day before being admitted to Dhaka Medical College Hospital.
The complaints have been formally submitted to the ICT prosecution for consideration. The allegations have not been examined by the tribunal, and no findings have been made regarding the claims.
