ICT-1 hears testimony in crimes against humanity case involving 2015 deaths

The International Crimes Tribunal-1, located in Dhaka, has recorded testimony in a high-profile crimes against humanity case stemming from events in Agailjhara, Barishal. The proceedings form part of ongoing judicial accountability efforts overseen by the tribunal.

During the tribunal session, Ashikur Rahman Asif appeared as the 13th witness to give his deposition. He is the son of one of the victims killed in 2015 during incidents linked to local political tensions and law enforcement actions.

According to the verified facts of the case, the incident occurred on February 21, 2015. On that day, Tipu Howlader, who served as the joint general secretary of the Agailjhara upazila unit of Chhatra Dal, and Kabir Molla, the organizational secretary of Jasas, were killed.

Giving his formal testimony before the tribunal, witness Ashikur Rahman Asif directly implicated specific individuals and officials. He stated that his father and Tipu Howlader were targeted due to their involvement with the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and their growing local popularity.

Detailing the alleged conspiracy, Asif testified that Abul Hasanat Abdullah grew enraged over the victims' political affiliation and popularity. He claimed that Abdullah utilized Superintendent of Police A. K. M. Ehsanullah, alongside Assistant Sub-Inspectors Md. Mahabul Islam and Md. Josim Uddin, to execute the killings.

Concluding his emotional statement in the courtroom, witness Ashikur Rahman Asif made a direct plea for justice. “I want justice for the murder of my father and Tipu kaka,” he told the tribunal during the proceedings.

The legal process involves multiple accused individuals facing charges related to the incident. Among the four named defendants in the case, Abul Hasanat Abdullah and A. K. M. Ehsanullah are currently fugitives, while Md. Mahabul Islam and Md. Josim Uddin have been arrested and are being held in prison.