ICT team completes investigation into 2013 Shapla massacre

The investigation team at International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) has completed investigation into the allegations of crimes against humanity the ousted Awami League regime committed during the Shapla square demonstrations in May 2013.

A large number of Islamic leaders, madrasa teachers and students were killed in the alleged massacre.

Sheikh Hasina, chief of the ousted regime and Awami League, is the prime suspect in the case, while 29 others will also be shown as being complicit in the crimes, said ICT Chief Prosecutor Md Aminul Islam on Wednesday.

The ICT’s draft investigation report is now undergoing legal and technical scrutiny before the final copy is submitted to the Chief Prosecutor’s office, Md Aminul added while speaking with reporters.

The ICT is now on vacation, and will resume trial proceedings on 21 July.

Officials are working to finalise the draft report and submit the final report to the Chief Prosecutor’s office before 21 July – so that a formal application for filing charges can be submitted as soon as the tribunal reopens.

Others accused over the massacre include former home minister Mohiuddin Khan Alamgir, former IGP Hasan Mahmud Khandaker, DMP Detective Branch official Harun-ur-Rashid, and a number of journalists.