15 army officers sent to prison over crimes against humanity

The International Crimes Tribunal-1 has ordered 15 army officers to be sent to prison in connection with three cases related to crimes against humanity.

The three-member tribunal, headed by Justice Md Golam Mortuza Mojumdar, issued the order at 8:30 a.m. on Wednesday, October 22.

Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Tajul Islam said the law enforcement authorities produced the accused before the tribunal, which then ordered their transfer to prison. The prison authorities will decide where they will be held.

Earlier in the morning, the 15 army officers were brought to the tribunal under heavy security in a prison van.

The cases include:
Rampura Massacre Case (18–19 July) – hearing scheduled for November 5

Two abduction cases – next hearing on November 20

According to prosecution sources, formal charges have been submitted against 17 individuals, including former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, over the abduction and torture of opposition political activists during the Awami League government. Another case over enforced disappearances at the Joint Interrogation Cell, also known as “Aynaghar”, has led to arrest warrants being issued against 13 people, including Hasina and Tarique Rahman.

Altogether, 25 army officers have been named as accused across the three cases.

Those sent to prison include: Brigadier General Md Jahangir Alam, Major General Mostafa Sarowar, Brigadier General Md Kamrul Hasan, Brigadier General Md Mahbub Alam, Lt Colonel Sarwar Bin Kashem, Colonel Moshihul Rahman Jewel, Lt Colonel Saiful Islam Suman, Major General Sheikh Md Sarwar Hossain, Major General Kabir Ahmed, Brigadier General Md Mahbubur Rahman Siddiqui, Brigadier General Ahmed Tanvir Majahar Siddiqui, Colonel Anowar Latif Khan, retired Lt Colonel Mokhchurul Haque, Brigadier General Tofayel Mostafa Sarowar, and Colonel KM Azad.