Two groups emerged in police under Habib, Monir’s leadership: Former IGP Mamun

Testifying as a prosecution witness at the tribunal, former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun said, “Two groups had emerged within the police force, one led by former DMP Commissioner Habibur Rahman and the other by former SB chief Monirul Islam.”

He gave his deposition on Tuesday (September 2) before the three-member judicial panel of International Crimes Tribunal-1, headed by Justice Md Golam Mortuza Mozumder.

Chowdhury Mamun made this statement in the case against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal over crimes against humanity committed during the July Movement.

In his testimony, Abdullah Al-Mamun said, “After the 2018 election, political influence within the police increased further. Certain officers became known as powerful figures, maintaining direct contact with top political leaders. Almost every night, they would hold meetings at the residence of former home minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal. These secret meetings would continue until late at night. The officers who attended included former DMP Commissioner Habibur Rahman, DB chief Harunur Rashid, SB’s Monirul Islam, Dhaka DIG Nurul Islam, Additional DIG Biplab Kumar, ASP Kafi, OC Mazhar, Forqan Apurbo, and many others. Some of them had direct contact with former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.”

He added, “Because of their direct access to the highest levels of government, these officers would often disregard the chain of command. But I wanted them to perform their duties professionally. Essentially, the two groups formed within the police carried out such activities. The leaders of the two groups also wanted their close associates to secure important postings and remain stationed in Dhaka.”

In his deposition, Chowdhury Mamun also described several detention facilities, including the Task Force Interrogation Cell, during his tenure at RAB.