The International Crimes Tribunal has issued arrest warrants against former MP Saiful Islam and four police officials for allegedly killing and burning bodies during the July-August anti-discrimination student movement in Ashulia. 

The tribunal, chaired by Justice Md Golam Mortuza Majumder, issued the order on Tuesday (Dec 24) following a hearing on the prosecution's petition.

Chief Prosecutor Md Tazul Islam said that the accused must be arrested immediately and presented before the tribunal. 

The tribunal also directed the submission of a progress report on the investigation by January 26, he said.

On September 11, a complaint was filed by lawyer Huzjatul Islam Khan on behalf of the victim Sabur’s brother and Sajal’s mother, alleges that police and DB North members, acting on the orders of the then-prime minister and other accused, indiscriminately fired on jubilant students in Ashulia on August 5. 

Following the firing incident, Sabur, Abdul Mannan, Mizanur Rahman, Tanzil Mahmud Sujoy, Sazzad Hossain Sajal, and Bayezid died. The victims' bodies were later burned in a police van in front of the Ashulia police station.

The complaint describes the acts as genocide and crimes against humanity, asserting that the actions aimed to partially or entirely eliminate the protesting students. 

The tribunal’s order follows the allegations of coordinated planning and directives from the former prime minister and other accused individuals to suppress the movement with violence.

BDST: 1513 HRS, DEC 24, 2024
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