Ashulia body burning: Arrest warrant issued against former MP Saiful, 5 others

The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) has issued arrest warrant against five persons including former Dhaka-19 MP Saiful Islam in a case filed over the burning of bodies at Ashulia in the capital during the anti-discrimination movement.

A two-member tribunal headed by Justice Golam Mortaza Majumder issued the order on Tuesday (December 24) following an application by the investigation agency.

The court also ordered to hand them over to the tribunal after arresting them immediately and fixed January 26 as the next date for submitting the arrest report.

Chief Prosecutor at the ICT Tajul Islam said the remaining four people against whom the arrest warrants were issued are police officers. However, he expressed reluctance to reveal their identities.

Tajul Islam said on August 5, five students were shot dead in Ashulia. Then their bodies were piled on a van and set on fire. So that no one would realise that they had burned the bodies. Arrest warrants have been issued against top state officials who are accused in the case filed over the incident. Now, after investigation, involvement of several law enforcement officials has been found.

He added, "Our investigation is ongoing. If the names of more officers involved in the incident are found, arrest warrants will be sought against them as well."