Full verdict published in Rampura killings case, three to hang

The International Crimes Tribunal has released the full verdict awarding death penalty to former Dhaka Metropolitan Police Commissioner Habibur Rahman and two other police officers in a crimes against humanity case over the killing of two people and shooting a young man during the July 2024 mass uprising in Rampura, Dhaka.

The full verdict was published on Wednesday, July 15, signed by a three-member bench led by Justice Md Golam Mortuza Mazumder of the International Crimes Tribunal-1. The other two members are Justice Shafiul Alam and Justice Mohitul Haque Enam Chowdhury.

Those sentenced to death are former DMP Commissioner Habibur Rahman, former Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) of DMP's Khilgaon zone Md Rashedul Islam, and former Officer-in-Charge of Rampura Police Station Md Mashiur Rahman. All three are currently absconding.

Additionally, former Sub-Inspector (SI) Tariqul Islam Bhuiyan was sentenced to life imprisonment, and former Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) Chanchal Chandra Sarkar was sentenced to 20 years in prison.

The tribunal observed that the attack on unarmed protesters in July 2024 was part of a coordinated, widespread and planned assault by state forces and ruling party activists. It noted that Habibur Rahman played a direct role by inciting subordinates via wireless messages, and that a core committee comprising the Home Minister, IGP and DMP Commissioner held meetings to authorise lethal force against protesters.

The verdict also stated that former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina had ordered the use of helicopters, drones and lethal weapons. A seven-year-old child, Musa Khan, and his grandmother were also shot during the crackdown.