Formal charges have been submitted to the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) against eight individuals, including former Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Habibur Rahman Habib, in connection with the killing of six people during the student-led protests in Chankharpool last July and August.
The prosecution officially filed the charges on Sunday (May 25), marking the beginning of the first trial related to what is being termed the "July Uprising". Earlier that morning, around 10:30 am, four of the accused were brought before the tribunal.
Prosecutor Gazi MH Tamim confirmed the filing, stating, "This is the first time a formal charge has been submitted in any case related to these events, marking a significant step forward in the justice process."
Among those charged are former DMP Commissioner Habibur Rahman, former Joint Commissioner Sudip Kumar Chakraborty, former Additional Deputy Commissioners of Ramna Zone Shah Alam and Md Akhtarul Islam, retired Assistant Commissioner Mohammad Imrul, former Shahbagh Police Station Inspector Md Arshad Hossain, and constables Md Sujon Hossain, Imaaz Hossain, and Md Nasirul Islam. Several of the accused remain at large.
According to the case documents, on August 5 of the previous year, law enforcement opened fire on a peaceful student demonstration in the Chankharpool area using lethal weapons. The report alleges that members of the security forces directly participated in the operation.
Investigators claim that the accused, including Habibur Rahman, were present at the scene and ordered their subordinates to fire on the crowd. The killings were carried out under their command and supervision.
The investigation further reveals that firearms, armoured personnel carriers (APCs), helicopters, drones, and a large volume of ammunition were used in the crackdown. Those killed in the assault were identified as Shahriar Khan Anas, Sheikh Mahdi Hasan Junayed, Md Yakub, Md Rakib Hawlader, Md Ismamul Haque, and Manik Mia Shaharik.
