Dhaka, Oct 31 (V7N)- The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) on Thursday ordered former Additional Superintendent of Police Shahidul Islam, formerly of the Savar circle, to be held in jail in connection with a case involving genocide and crimes against humanity. The charges relate to efforts to suppress the anti-discrimination student movement.

The tribunal’s three-judge panel, led by Justice Md Golam Mortuza Mozumder, issued the decision following a request by Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Tajul Islam. Shahidul was brought before the tribunal under tight security at 10 a.m. on Thursday.

Prosecutor Abdullah Al Noman explained that Shahidul faces charges tied to the July-August genocide. An arrest warrant issued on October 27 included Shahidul and 16 other former police officers, including ex-Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Habibur Rahman, with orders for their production before the tribunal by November 20.

This marks Shahidul as the second former police official detained in relation to the charges. Chief Prosecutor Tajul Islam reiterated the commitment to justice, stating, “No one involved in the July-August genocide will evade accountability, regardless of their power or influence.” He assured that innocent individuals would not be targeted.

Prosecution sources revealed that the tribunal has received 75 complaints involving genocide and crimes against humanity committed nationwide between July 5 and August 5 this year. The tribunal commenced formal trial proceedings on October 17, issuing arrest warrants for 46 individuals, including former prime minister and Awami League president Sheikh Hasina, who fled the country on August 5 amid the mass uprising, marking the end of the AL government’s sixteen-year rule.

The ICT has also summoned ten former ministers, two ex-advisers, one retired justice, and a former secretary to appear before the tribunal on November 18 in connection with the ongoing genocide and crimes against humanity cases.

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