The Chief Prosecutor of the International Crimes Tribunal Aminul Islam has alleged that journalists Mozammel Babu and Farzana Rupa attempted to divert the course of the investigation into the killings at the Hefazat-e-Islam rally at Shapla Chattar in Motijheel.
Speaking to reporters at his office on Thursday, the chief prosecutor claimed that the duo sought to obscure the actual events and hide information regarding the deaths that occurred during the incident.
According to the prosecution, a planned effort to spread misleading information was carried out through an investigative report titled ‘Somikoron’ (The Equation), which aired on Ekattor Television shortly after the massacre on 5 May, 2013. The report reportedly attempted to create the impression that no casualties had taken place at Shapla Chattar.
“We have obtained new information during the investigation of this case,” Aminul Islam stated. He noted that Farzana Rupa broadcast the ‘Somikoron’ report, which featured an interview with the then-foreign minister Dipu Moni.
The chief prosecutor further alleged that Mozammel Babu was also involved in the matter.
Aminul Islam asserted that Farzana Rupa used statements from “controversial individuals” to disseminate confusing information and divert the narrative of the nationwide event in a different direction.
He characterised these efforts as part of a “systematic attack” and a pre-planned methodology, noting that the content of the report lacked any veracity.
The prosecution has concluded that it is necessary to interrogate Farzana Rupa, Mozammel Babu, and Dipu Moni in the interest of the investigation.
The chief prosecutor added that if their involvement is confirmed, they will be formally named as accused in the case
