Dhaka, Nov 26 (V7N) – A complaint has been lodged with the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and 49 others over alleged mass killings during Hefazat-e-Islam’s rally at Shapla Chattar, Motijheel, on May 5, 2013.

The complaint was filed by Hefazat-e-Islam leader Junaid Al Habib with the ICT's chief prosecutor on Tuesday. A prior complaint on the same matter was submitted by Mufti Harun Ijhar.

Among the accused are Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader, former ministers Rashed Khan Menon, Hasan Mahmud, and Salman F Rahman, as well as former DSCC Mayor Sheikh Fazle Noor Taposh, along with others.

The Shapla Chattar rally was organized by Hefazat-e-Islam to demand the implementation of its 13-point charter and was supported by opposition parties, including the BNP. Violent clashes erupted during the demonstration, leading to a midnight operation by law enforcement to clear the area. Similar clashes occurred in other districts, including Narayanganj, Bagerhat, and Brahmanbaria.

Human rights organization Odhikar reported that 61 people lost their lives in the violence based on a fact-finding mission conducted after the incident. Their report led to legal action against Odhikar’s then-Secretary Adilur Rahman Khan and Director ASM Nasiruddin Elan under the amended ICT Act, 2006.

Hefazat's recent filing aims to hold accountable those allegedly responsible for the tragic events of 2013.

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