Formal charges of crimes against humanity have been submitted against eight individuals, including former vice-chancellor of Dhaka University ASM Maksud Kamal and author Muhammed Zafar Iqbal, over an armed attack on Dhaka University students during the July mass uprising.
The prosecution filed formal charges at the registrar office of the International Crimes Tribunal on Wednesday. Chief Prosecutor Md Aminul Islam confirmed the development.
Besides former Supreme Court Appellate Division Justice AHM Shamsuddin Choudhury Manik, former teacher of Dhaka University’s Sociology Department AKM Jamal Uddin, and Chhatra League General Secretary Sheikh Wali Asif Inan have also been named as accused in the case.
The submission follows a recent investigation report handed to the prosecution by the investigation agency of the International Crimes Tribunal regarding allegations of crimes against humanity over the armed attack on Dhaka University students during the July mass uprising.
The prosecution stated that after reviewing the investigation report, it was submitted to the tribunal as formal charges.
According to the prosecution, the events during the quota reform movement in July 2024—specifically the context, statements, and roles of the individuals involved in the attack on demonstrating students at Dhaka University—were analysed through a lengthy investigation.
Prosecution sources stated that deposed prime minister Sheikh Hasina referred to demonstrating students as “children of Razakars” and “grandchildren of Razakars” at a press conference held at Gono Bhaban on 14 July 2024.
The prosecution noted that her remarks contributed to creating an environment of hatred and violence against demonstrators, subsequently setting the background for attacks by Chhatra League at Dhaka University and various other places across the country.
The formal charges also claim that during a phone conversation on the night of 14 July between Sheikh Hasina and then Vice-Chancellor ASM Maksud Kamal, demonstrators were referred to as “Razakars,” and information was found regarding instructions to use lethal force against the student-masses.
The prosecution alleged that on 15 July, armed Chhatra League activists attacked over 300 unarmed demonstrating students at Dhaka University. Students were injured by beating, hacking, and shooting during the assault.
When a section of the injured went to Dhaka Medical College Hospital for treatment, they were attacked there as well.
Additionally, a writing by former Shahjalal University of Science and Technology professor Zafar Iqbal was considered as part of the allegations in the investigation.
In a two-page letter circulated on social media during the July mass uprising, he wrote, “Dhaka University is my university, my beloved university. But I feel I will never want to go to this university again. Looking at the students, I would feel they might be Razakars.”
According to prosecution sources, just as Sheikh Hasina’s remarks identifying demonstrators as “Razakars” incited hatred and violence, Zafar Iqbal’s comment similarly created an environment generating hatred, incitement, and legitimising subsequent attacks.
Consequently, his role was included in the formal charges under the International Crimes Tribunal Act.
Zafar Iqbal’s writing spread widely on social media on 16 July. On the following day, 17 July, general students of Shahjalal University of Science and Technology declared him persona non grata on campus for life.
