Charges filed against ex-MP Saiful, 18 others over Yamin's killing in Savar

The prosecution has submitted formal charges against former lawmaker Saiful Islam and 18 others in a crimes against humanity case over the killing of student Ashabul Yamin during the July 2024 mass uprising in Savar.

The charge sheet was filed with the Registrar of the International Crimes Tribunal on Sunday (July 26).

Prosecutors said the case was brought after reviewing the investigation report and completing the inquiry. A hearing on the matter is expected later in the day.

Of the 19 accused, seven are currently in custody. They include former Additional Superintendent of Police (Crime and Ops) Md Abdullahil Kafi, former Additional Superintendent of Police (Savar Circle) Md Shahidul Islam, Assistant Sub-Inspector Mohammad Ali, Nayek Sohel, Mizanur Rahman, Zakir Hossain, and Constable Masud Mia.

According to the prosecution, Yamin was dragged to an armoured vehicle and shot in the left side of his chest, with multiple splinters penetrating his body. He was then placed on top of the vehicle to spread fear among protesters before being abandoned on the roadside. Local residents rescued him and rushed him to Enam Medical College Hospital, where doctors declared him dead.

Yamin, a fourth-year Computer Science and Engineering student at the Military Institute of Science and Technology (MIST), was critically injured during attacks by police and Awami League activists on protesters in the anti-discrimination student movement near Savar Bus Stand on July 18, 2024.