ICT identifies 58 victims of Shapla Chattar killings

The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) on Tuesday confirmed the identities of 58 people killed in the Awami League regime’s crackdown on Qawmi madrasa teachers and students at Shapla Chattar, Dhaka in May 2013.

ICT Chief Prosecutor Aminul Islam told reporters that evidences have been found to confirm the victims.

Data and proofs are also coming to light linking ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina, and her 29 allies to the mass killing, Aminul added.

Law enforcers launched the killing spree on the protest movement of madrasa students and teachers on 5 May 2013 in Dhaka, and in Narayanganj and Chattogram the following day.

As many as 32 people were killed in Dhaka city, 20 in Narayanganj and 5 in Chattogram. One more died in in Cumilla. Most of the victims belonged to Qawmi madrasas, and many were Islamic preachers as well.

On 5 May, Hefazat-e-Islam announced the “Dhaka Blockade” movement protesting the defamation of Islam and Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) by some online activists seen as encouraged by the Awami League regime.

Hefazat also sought the implementation of its 13-point demand by the Awami government.

Tensions brew throughout the day, and culminated into a night-time crackdown on the Hefazat activists and supporters at the Shapla Chattar, where they had gathered following a protest rally.

The police, RAB and BGB had joined the crackdown.