War crimes tribunal expresses frustration as 4 accused remain at large

The tribunal raises concerns as four people with arrest warrants remain at large, despite repeated attempts to apprehend them

The International Crimes Tribunal has expressed dissatisfaction over the failure to arrest four individuals accused in the killing of Imam Hasan Tayem in Dhaka’s Jatrabari, despite warrants being issued.

Tayem, a second-year student of Narayanganj Government Adamjee Nagar MW College, was allegedly shot dead by police in Jatrabari on Jul 20, 2024, during student protests.

Prosecutor Sultan Mahmud told bdnews24.com that the tribunal was scheduled to receive the investigation report on Thursday.

“When I requested more time, the tribunal asked about the progress of the investigation and the status of the arrests of the warrant-listed accused," he said.

According to Sultan, Tayem’s brother, Robiul, who is known by a single name, had complained that despite police issuing arrest warrants, law-enforcing agencies did not cooperate in detaining the suspects.

"Tribunal Chairman Justice Golam Mortuza Mojumdar advised filing complaints against the responsible police officials," he added.

The case alleges that on Jul 20, when the Anti-discrimination Student Movement was ongoing, curfew restrictions were eased between 12pm and 2pm. During this period, Tayem and two friends went for tea in the Kajla area of Jatrabari, where protests were taking place.

"At the time, police, on the orders of Deputy Commissioner Iqbal Hossain, fired tear gas, sound grenades, rubber bullets, and live rounds at demonstrators.

"As protesters fled in panic, Tayem and his two friends entered a tea shop and pulled down the shutter. However, there was a small opening at the bottom. Police forcibly dragged them out. As Tayem attempted to escape first, he was shot. He died on the spot without receiving medical aid," the case statement says.

Following the fall of the Awami League government, Tayem’s mother, Parveen Akter, filed the case on Aug 20.

The accused include DC Iqbal of Wari Division and then Jatrabari Police Station chief Abul Hasan.

Former OC Hasan was arrested in Cox’s Bazar on Sept 16, 2024.