The Bangladesh Azad Party and the Rashtra Sanglap Forum submitted separate complaints today (26 July).
Collage of former presidents Abdul Hamid and Mohammed Shahabuddin. Photo: Collected
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Collage of former presidents Abdul Hamid and Mohammed Shahabuddin. Photo: Collected
Complaints have been filed with the prosecution of the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) against former presidents Abdul Hamid and Mohammed Shahabuddin, alleging crimes against humanity under the Awami League regime.
The Bangladesh Azad Party and the Rashtra Sanglap Forum submitted separate complaints today (26 July).
Chief Prosecutor Md Aminul Islam told reporters, “I have not read the complaints yet. One was submitted by the Azad Party and another by the Rashtra Sanglap Forum.
“When complaints are received, we usually forward them to the investigation agency. If these are placed before me, I will send them there. Beyond that, I do not know anything.”
The Rashtra Sanglap Forum said its complaint against former president Shahabuddin relates to the July Uprising, while the Bangladesh Azad Party’s complaint is against him, Hamid and media personalities.
The Bangladesh Azad Party called for a legal investigation into the role of several individuals from the cultural sector during or in connection with the uprising.
It named Ferdous Ahmed, Meher Afroz Shaon, Riaz Ahmed, Aruna Biswas, Anis Alamgir, Soma Islam, Maria Kispotta, Pia Jannatul, Shanta Farzana and Momin Mehedi in its complaint.
Al Noor Mohammad Ayas, central member secretary of the Rashtra Sanglap Forum, alleged in the complaint that masked men abducted him from Mohakhali Bus Stand on the night of 18 January 2025 after he led protests at Shahbagh demanding Shahabuddin’s resignation.
He alleged that he was physically and mentally tortured and forced to record a video calling for the suspension of the movement before being abandoned in the Karwan Bazar-Banglamotor area the following day.
He was later admitted to Dhaka Medical College Hospital.
Ayas also called for an investigation into Shahabuddin’s alleged role in ordering the shootings, torture, killings and enforced disappearances during the July Uprising.
He urged an independent investigation into whether Shahabuddin bore any legal responsibility or involvement in the 2024 election, human rights violations and the mass uprising.
