Chief Prosecutor of the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) Md Aminul Islam on Thursday said preliminary investigation has found the involvement of Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (JSD) President Hasanul Haq Inu in the 2013 Shapla Chattar incident.
Speaking to journalists, he said the probe into the case is ongoing and the investigation report is expected to be submitted within this month.
“Preliminary involvement of Inu has been found in the investigation. The inquiry is continuing, and the report will be submitted this month,” he said.
The case relates to the 5 May, 2013 Hefazat-e-Islam rally at Motijheel’s Shapla Chattar, during which allegations of killings were raised.
According to prosecution sources, the identities of 58 victims have so far been confirmed across the country, including 32 in Dhaka, 20 in Narayanganj, five in Chattogram and one in Cumilla.
The prosecution also said that former prime minister Sheikh Hasina is likely to be named the main accused in the case, which remains under investigation.
They further alleged that journalists Mozammel Babu and Farzana Rupa attempted to divert attention from the incident and misrepresent its nature through a programme titled “Shomikoron” aired on Channel 71, which, according to them, suggested that no casualties occurred at Shapla Chattar.
So far, nine accused have been arrested in the case. They include former foreign minister Dipu Moni, former state minister for home affairs Shamsul Haque Tuku, retired Major General Ziaul Ahsan, former inspector general of police AKM Shahidul Haque, former DMP additional commissioner Harun Or Rashid, Shahriar Kabir, journalist Mozammel Babu and Farzana Rupa.
The complaint was initially filed with the ICT chief prosecutor by Hefazat-e-Islam leader Azizul Haque on behalf of Junayed Al Habib and Maulana Mamunul Haque.
A total of 21 individuals have been named as accused in the case.
Other accused include Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader, former minister Rashed Khan Menon, former Dhaka South City mayor Sheikh Fazle Noor Taposh, former ministers Hasan Mahmud and Haji Salim, former prime minister’s adviser Salman F Rahman, former MP Shamim Osman, former IGP Benazir Ahmed, former army chief Aziz Ahmed, and several others.
