In a landmark deposition before the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT), former inspector general of police Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun revealed extensive details implicating the ousted Awami League government in the July–August 2024 crackdown on protesters.
Mamun recalled a national security meeting on August 3, chaired by former prime minister Hasina and attended by ministers, the heads of the three armed forces, and himself.
Intelligence briefings at the meeting described the movement as having escalated to a dangerous level. While the discussion focused on how to suppress the movement, there was no talk of government change. However, the government appeared unwilling to acknowledge its own vulnerabilities.
A secret meeting was held on the night of August 4 at the official residence of Sheikh Hasina. It was attended by Hasina’s sister Sheikh Rehana, former ministers, top military and police officials, and intelligence heads.
This 30–45 minute meeting focused specifically on how to counter the protest on August 5. Afterward, Mamun joined the military’s operational control room, where deployment strategies were finalised.
By August 5 morning, police had fortified key entry points to the city. But by 11am, massive crowds began entering Dhaka via Uttara, and the military did not intervene. Local-level military officers and troops reportedly sided with the movement, making it impossible for police to contain the wave of demonstrators heading toward Ganabhaban.
By 12:30pm, Mamun realised that the government was on the verge of collapse. He was informed by Special Branch (SB) sources that Sheikh Hasina might step down and possibly leave for India though the military did not confirm this.
Regarding lethal force, Mamun stated that political leadership directly sanctioned the use of live ammunition and area-specific “block raids”.
He recounted that former additional DIG Pralay Joarder relayed these orders down the chain of command. He also noted that former DMP commissioner Habibur Rahman and ex-DB chief Harunur maintained direct contact with the home minister.
In another claim, he alleged Obaidul Quader’s aggressive speeches emboldened Chhatra League and Jubo League operatives.
Concluding his deposition, he said, “As former IGP, I am ashamed, remorseful, and ask forgiveness for carrying out government instructions that led to excessive use of force, indiscriminate torture, mass arrests, injuries, and the deaths of countless civilians during the anti-discrimination movement.”