Arrest warrants issued against 5 including Zafar Iqbal, Maksud Kamal

The tribunal has taken into cognisance the allegations brought against eight accused, including former Vice-Chancellor ASM Maksud Kamal and Professor Zafar Iqbal, over attacks, torture and killings during the suppression of student protests at Dhaka University in July-August 2024, and issued arrest warrants against five of them.

A three-member tribunal led by Justice Golam Mortuza Majumder issued the order on Sunday, September 20.

Prosecutor Mizanul Islam conveyed the information to journalists.

Those against whom arrest warrants have been issued are fugitive Vice-Chancellor Professor ASM Maksud Kamal, Professor Zafar Iqbal, Chhatra League President Saddam Hossain and two others.

The allegations filed against the accused are that former Justice Shamsuddin Chowdhury Manik legitimised all the killings on a talk show and called Abu Sayeed a terrorist; then Vice-Chancellor Professor ASM Maksud Kamal advised then Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to suppress the movement at Dhaka University and brought Chhatra League onto the field; Professor Zafar Iqbal aided the killings by calling the protesters children of Razakars.

Among the eight accused, Justice Shamsuddin Chowdhury Manik, Professor A K M Jamaluddin and Dhaka University Chhatra League General Secretary Saikat are in custody.

Those absconding are Professor ASM Maksud Kamal, Professor Zafar Iqbal, Chhatra League President Saddam Hossain, General Secretary Sheikh Inan and Dhaka University Chhatra League President Mazharul Kabir Shayan.

Additionally, arrest warrants have been issued against four people, including the head of the police's Counter Terrorism Unit, Asaduzzaman, over the disappearance of seven people, including madrasa principal Abul Hossain in Gazipur.