Dhaka, Dec 02 (V7N) – The International Crimes Tribunal has directed the arrest of two former Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) officers, marking the first instance of arrests in a disappearance case under its jurisdiction.

Former RAB-2 Superintendent of Police Mohiuddin Faruqi and Barisal Range Additional Superintendent of Police Alep Uddin were brought before the tribunal on Monday.

Presided over by Justice Md Golam Mortuza Majumder, the three-member tribunal ordered their detention following their court appearance. Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Tajul Islam, alongside other prosecutors, represented the state during the proceedings.

The two former officers were transported from Kashimpur Jail’s high-security cell in Gazipur and presented to the tribunal at 11 a.m., as per a directive issued on November 28.

The officers are accused of involvement in several enforced disappearances and acts of torture during their service in RAB. The prosecution argued that sufficient initial evidence justified their arrests.

The tribunal prioritized charges related to the disappearance and death of Zobair Omar Khan, a victim of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement. Though multiple complaints were filed against the accused, the tribunal advanced with this particular case.

Zobair was shot dead on August 5 in Dhaka’s Shanir Akhra area during the movement. He was taken to Sir Salimullah Medical College Hospital, where he was declared dead. Later, Zobair’s brother filed a case over the incident.

Alep Uddin was apprehended on November 13 at night in Barisal, while Mohiuddin Faruqi was detained earlier that morning from Kaukhali (Betbunia) in Rangamati district.

END/MSS/AJ