ICT prosecutors visit RAB
Judges of International Crimes Tribunal-1, members of the prosecution team and defence lawyers on Saturday visited the Rapid Action Battalion’s Taskforce for Interrogation cell, commonly known as an “Aynaghar”, in Uttara, Dhaka.
The inspection began at around 11:00am at the RAB-1 headquarters.
The delegation included ICT-1 Chairman Justice Md Golam Mortuza Majumder and tribunal members Justice Md Shafiul Alam Mahmud and Justice Md Mohitul Haque Enam Chowdhury.
Chief Prosecutor Md Aminul Islam, prosecutors Mizanul Islam, Gazi MH Tamim, Faruk Ahmad, Shaikh Mahdi, Shahidul Islam Sardar and Tasmirul Islam were also present.
Defence lawyers, journalists, human rights activist Nur Khan Liton and Mayer Dak coordinator Sanjida Islam Tuli, who represented families of enforced disappearance victims, joined the inspection.
The delegation inspected all 29 detention cells inside the TFI facility.
A case concerning alleged enforced disappearances at the facility names 17 accused. Ten army officers are currently under arrest in connection with the case.
According to the prosecution, the accused were serving in RAB when the alleged offences took place.
ICT-1 approved the inspection on July 21 following an application filed by the prosecution.
During the hearing, Chief Prosecutor Aminul Islam sought permission to inspect alleged secret detention facilities operated by RAB, the Directorate General of Forces Intelligence and the Detective Branch.
He told the tribunal that people holding opposing political views were allegedly abducted, tortured and subjected to enforced disappearance during the Awami League’s rule.
According to findings cited from the Commission of Inquiry on Enforced Disappearances and the United Nations human rights office, hundreds of alleged secret detention facilities operated by military and civilian security agencies have been identified across Bangladesh.
The commission estimates that between 5,000 and 6,000 people may have been subjected to enforced disappearance between 2009 and 2024.
Many of the victims were allegedly held at secret detention facilities before being released, transferred elsewhere or remaining missing.
