Abdul Jalil Mandal, a former deputy inspector general (DIG) of Police, has expressed his intention to become a state witness in the case involving the killings during the Hefajat-e-Islam rally at Shapla Chattar on 5 May 2013.
The case, which involves allegations of crimes against humanity, is currently being heard by the International Crimes Tribunal-1.
Defence Counsel Mohammad Ali Haidar made the disclosure during a bail hearing on Wednesday. Haidar informed the tribunal that his client is 60 years old and suffers from significant health issues, including seven blocks in his heart, for which he requires advanced medical treatment.
The lawyer asserted that Mandal, who was the additional commissioner of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) at the time of the incident, was not involved in the killings. He stated that Mandal is prepared to provide full assistance to the tribunal and serve as a state witness if necessary.
Speaking to journalists, Advocate Ali Haidar noted that the case remains under investigation and that Mandal is being considered an accused alongside deposed prime minister Sheikh Hasina.
He reiterated that his client is willing to cooperate with the judicial proceedings in the interest of justice, which would necessitate him becoming a state witness. However, the tribunal did not grant the bail application during the hearing.
Mandal was previously arrested by the Detective Branch (DB) of police from the Sabujbagh area of the capital on the evening of 30 March. Following his arrest, the court ordered him to be sent to jail on 31 March.
The formal complaint regarding the 2013 Shapla Chattar massacre was filed with the Chief Prosecutor of the International Crimes Tribunal by Hefajat-e-Islam leader Azizul Haque.
The complaint was made on behalf of Hefajat leaders Junaid Al Habib and Maulana Mamunul Haque, naming 21 individuals as accused.
In addition to his role as Additional Commissioner of the DMP, Abdul Jalil Mandal also served as the Additional Director General of the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB). The case is currently in the investigation stage.
