Joardar is currently in custody in connection with two separate cases filed with Dhanmondi Police Station.
The International Crimes Tribunal, located in the old High Court building, Dhaka. File photo: Collected
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The International Crimes Tribunal, located in the old High Court building, Dhaka. File photo: Collected
A close associate of former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Benazir Ahmed is set to be shown arrested in a case involving crimes against humanity linked to enforced disappearances at the Directorate General of Forces Intelligence (DGFI) Joint Interrogation Cell.
The International Crimes Tribunal-1 (ICT-1) today (20 May) granted a prosecution plea to formally show Rifat Niloy Joardar as arrested in the case and directed that he be produced before the tribunal on 24 May.
According to the prosecution, Joardar served as the general secretary of ward no. 15 unit of Awami League in Dhaka’s Dhanmondi area.
It further alleged that enforced disappearances were systematically carried out across the country with the direct instruction and tacit approval of then prime minister Sheikh Hasina and her defence and security adviser Major General (retd) Tarique Ahmed Siddique, along with other senior political figures.
The prosecution claims that under Joardar’s direct involvement and influence, victims, including Md Moshirur Rahman and several others, were illegally detained in secret detention facilities under DGFI control. During their detention, victims were allegedly subjected to physical and psychological torture, which, according to preliminary findings, amounts to crimes against humanity.
Investigators said the probe, launched in August 2024, is based on testimonies from victims and their families as well as documentary evidence, which they say establishes preliminary credibility of the allegations.
They also expect further significant disclosures during interrogation.
Joardar is currently in custody in connection with two separate cases filed with Dhanmondi Police Station.
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