Ex-DGFI chief Masud to face charges over crimes against humanity during 1/11 period: ICT

International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) Chief Prosecutor Aminul Islam has said that former Directorate General of Forces Intelligence (DGFI) chief Masud Uddin Chowdhury was the “main mastermind” behind the alleged crimes against humanity committed during the 1/11 caretaker government period.

He also said Masud would be made an accused in cases over crimes against humanity committed during that time.

Speaking to reporters at his office at the ICT today (10 May), he said Masud, along with several others, was considered part of the “de facto government” during the 1/11 regime.

“The entire government was virtually run by them. As a result, all the inhumane incidents of that period took place,” the chief prosecutor said.

He added that investigators had already questioned the former army officer and obtained several pieces of information, which are now being verified.

Aminul said the prosecution had sought a production warrant to show Masud arrested in one of the cases. He was taken into custody on 7 May and kept in a safe home for one day of interrogation.

During questioning yesterday, the former DGFI chief provided several pieces of information, the chief prosecutor said, adding that investigators may seek to interrogate him for two more days if necessary.

Responding to a question about the role of the 1/11 government, Aminul reiterated that Masud and several others effectively controlled the administration during that period.

He further alleged that the former military officer had links to “many activities” during both the 1/11 government and the “fascist rule” of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina.

The chief prosecutor also claimed that allegations had emerged against Masud over the suppression of protests during the July Uprising, adding that the ongoing investigation was uncovering more details.

“Wherever his involvement in crimes against humanity is found, we will make him an accused,” he said.

Meanwhile, ICT-2 today fixed 21 July for submitting the investigation report in a crimes against humanity case filed over incidents that took place in Feni during the July Uprising.

Prosecutor Zahirul Amin told the tribunal that investigators had interrogated Masud for one day and sought more time to submit the report. The tribunal later set 21 July as the next date.