Wed Nov 20 16:54:06 UTC 2024: ## Former Bangladesh Police Chief, Top Military Official Face War Crimes Charges

**DHAKA, BANGLADESH – NOVEMBER 20, 2024** – Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun, Bangladesh’s former police inspector general, and Ziaul Ahsan, a former military general and head of the National Telecommunication Monitoring Centre (NTMC), appeared in court today facing charges of overseeing a deadly crackdown during the August revolution that ousted Sheikh Hasina’s regime. Eight defendants in total were charged before the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT).

The prosecution, led by Mohammad Tajul Islam, alleges the defendants committed massacres, genocide, and crimes against humanity during the suppression of student-led protests. Islam described the actions as beyond the pale of acceptable behavior. Al-Mamun is accused of commanding the atrocities against protesters, while Ahsan faces charges including extrajudicial killings, dismemberment of bodies, internet shutdown during the uprising, and surveillance of government critics. Ahsan pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The crackdown resulted in the deaths of over 700 people. Dozens of Hasina’s allies have been arrested since the regime’s collapse. Lower-ranking officers were also charged with various crimes, including the killing and burning of protesters to conceal evidence. One defendant, Majharul Islam, a former police chief, wept in court and declared his support for the protests.

The court adjourned until December 19 to allow for the completion of the investigation report. All defendants remain in custody. Meanwhile, an arrest warrant remains active for Sheikh Hasina, who fled to India on August 5th and is currently in exile, also facing charges of massacres and crimes against humanity. This hearing follows Monday’s charges against eleven former ministers.

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