Asif Mahmud seeks exemplary punishment over Chankharpul murders

On Jul 14, the tribunal framed charges against former DMP commissioner Habibur Rahman and seven others

In the July Uprising case over the killing of six people, including student Anas, in Chankharpul, testimony from Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuyain -- one of the movement’s key coordinators and now an interim government advisor -- has concluded.

He testified on Thursday before the three-member International Crimes Tribunal-1 led by Justice Md Golam Mortuza Mozumder.

Speaking later at the court premises, Asif Mahmud said: “Those involved in the incident must face exemplary punishment.”

On Aug 5, the day Sheikh Hasina was ousted in the student-led uprising, six people -- including student martyr Shahriar Khan Anas -- were shot dead at Chankharpul.

The tribunal’s Investigation Agency submitted its report to the prosecution on Apr 11, and Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Tajul Islam formally filed charges on May 25 after reviewing the documents.

Accepting the charges that day, the tribunal issued arrest warrants against the fugitives, including former DMP commissioner Habibur Rahman.

According to the 90-page report, the accused used “lethal weapons” against unarmed, peaceful protesters, killing Anas, Sheikh Mehedi Hasan Junayed, Md Yakub, Md Rakib Hawlader, Md Esmamul Haque, and Manik Mia.

Investigators took statements from 79 witnesses, and attached 19 videos, 11 newspaper reports, two audio clips, 11 books and reports, and six death certificates as evidence.