ICT issues arrest warrant for Nowfel, Hasan Mahmud, Nasir over Chattogram killings

The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT has issued arrest warrants for former ministers Hasan Mahmud and Mohibul Hassan Chowdhury Nowfel, as well as former mayor AJM Nasir Uddin.

They stand accused of crimes against humanity for the killing of six people during the July movement in Chattogram.

Additionally, arrest warrants have been issued for 12 other leaders and activists of the Awami League, and its affiliates Jubo League and Bangladesh Chhatra League.

A three-strong tribunal, led by Justice Md Golam Mortuza Mozumder, issued the orders on Tuesday following a petition by the investigation agency.

Mohammad Tajul Islam, the tribunal’s chief prosecutor, argued in favour of the investigation agency’s application for issuing an arrest warrant.

He said: “The agency has found significant evidence that members of Awami League, Jubo League, and Chhatra League were involved in the killings that took place during the July movement.

“Video footage and witness statements have linked them to the killings. Following our application, the tribunal has issued 15 arrest warrants.”

In another development, the tribunal has ordered Jubo League leader Md Firoz to appear before it. Firoz is also an accused in the case, and already in custody.

In addition, the tribunal has set Apr 8 as the deadline for submitting the investigation report.

Six people, including Wasim Akram, were killed during the July movement in Chattogram, on July 16 and 18.

On Jan 16, two prosecutors and two investigators spoke to 30 protestors who took part in the July movement in Chattogram. Among them, some were injured, and two had suffered gunshot wounds.