Prosecution urges ICT-1
The prosecution yesterday completed its hearing on charge framing and pleaded before the ICT-1 to charge four accused -- two former BGB officials who later returned to the army, and two police officers -- in a crimes against humanity case filed over the killing of 28 protesters during the July uprising in Rampura.
The prosecution brought six charges against the accused: Lt Col Mohammad Redowanul Islam, Maj Rafat Bin Alam Moon, former additional deputy commissioner Rashedul Islam, and former Rampura Police Station OC Mashiur Rahman.
The two former BGB officers were produced before the tribunal as the charges were read out. Two video clips were played in the courtroom, showing Redowanul firing shots while wounded protesters lay on the roads.
Chief Prosecutor Tajul Islam told the tribunal that, to sustain the Sheikh Hasina-led government through maximum force, authorities decided on July 17, 2024, to deploy the BGB at key entry points and strategic locations across Dhaka.
Following the order, BGB and police teams took positions in Rampura and Banasree on July 18, led by 5 BGB Commander Lt Col Rakibul Hasan and Deputy Commander Maj Rafat. Rakibul later left the scene for Pilkhana, handing over command to Rafat.
At the same time, 26 BGB Commander Lt Col Redowan, then Khilgaon Zone ADC Rashedul, and former Rampura Police Station OC Mashiur were in charge of nine BGB and six police platoons.
Investigation findings show Redowan, with the support of the other accused, ordered BGB and police members to fire SMGs, Chinese rifles, and shotguns at unarmed protesters. He also fired his own SMG. A total of 28 people were killed and 16 seriously injured that day.
During the investigation, it was prima facie proven that fugitive Redowan committed crimes against humanity under the ICT Act by directly supervising, giving orders to subordinates, creating opportunities, aiding and abetting, and through his subordinates and himself committing torture and murder, not preventing such crimes from being committed, failing to take action against the perpetrators, and encouraging the murders, which is a punishable offence, Tajul said.
The charges are as follows: Charge 1 -- attempted murder of Mehedi Alam near the BTV building, leaving him critically injured, and the killing of Gangacharan Rajbongshi near Rampura Bridge Wasa station. Charge 2 -- shooting dead Mamun Mia and five others near Better Life Hospital, Wapda Road and Rampura Bazaar; attempted murder of Kawsar Hossain. Charge 3 -- killing Mostafa Zaman Samudra and five others near Delta Care Hospital, Multi Care Hospital, Molla Tower, Ekaramunnesa School lane, and Mokkhi Mosque lane; attempted murder of Liaquat Hossain and four others. Charge 4 -- killing Rakib Hossain and critically injuring Uzzal Hossain near Aftabnagar, Zahurul Islam City entrance. Charge 5 -- killing Taufiqul Islam Bhuiyan and another person in front of Brac University, Progoti Swarani. Charge 6 -- killing Russel Mia and 11 others in the Banasree residential area; attempted murder of Masum Ahmed and eight others.
As the defence lawyer for the two army officers and the state defence counsel for the two absconding former police officials submitted discharge petitions, the tribunal fixed December 14 to hear the petitions.
