United News of Bangladesh

The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) has sought a list of magistrates who were in charge in Khulna during the mass protests by students and the public in July-August. Following the imposition of curfew on July 20, magistrates worked alongside Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and the army. The tribunal has urged authorities to submit detailed reports on the actions and directives issued by these magistrates. Last week, the tribunal sent an official letter to the Khulna deputy commissioner seeking the list. According to sources at  the DC office a report will soon be sent to the tribunal after reviewing the request. Top listed criminal Azim among five arrested from Dhaka: KMP Khulna District Magistrate Mohammad Saiful Islam confirmed receiving an official letter from the International Crimes Tribunal. He said that the matter is currently under process to reach a final decision. The anti-quota protests began on June 5 and later escalated into a mass uprising. Initially, the deputy commissioner did not give much attention to the movement. However, after a High Court ruling, students took to the streets, and police intervention began. The tribunal's letter specifically highlighted events following the curfew imposed on July 19, including police activities, alleged abuse, threats from political groups like Jubo League and the now-banned Chhatra League, and clashes between protesters and law enforcement. It has called for detailed accounts of the deputy commissioner’s role during this period. During the protests, Khondkar Yasir Arefin served as the Deputy Commissioner and District Magistrate of Khulna. On the first day of the curfew, he issued seven directives, including safeguarding public lives and property, protecting government assets, and maintaining peace and order by deploying magistrates in nine sub-districts. ACC starts investigation against its former commissioner Jahurul Haque According to district records, the magistrates in charge in Khulna metropolitan and surrounding areas from July 19 to August 5 included Navid Sarwar, Rubayet Ahmed, Md. Muntasir Hasan Khan, Md. Anwar Sadat, Jubayer Jahangir (Dacope), Iftekharul Islam Shamim (Paikgachha), Asadur Rahman (Batiaghata), Papia Sultana (Phultala), Arafat Hossain (Dumuria), Sumaiya Sultana Annie (Terokhada), BM Tariq Uz Zaman (Koyra), Khan Masum Billah (Digholia), and Kohinur Zaman (Rupsha). Many of these magistrates have since been transferred to other locations. Sources added that two days before the curfew, the then district magistrate informed the relevant ministry that there was no significant damage in Khulna. He also requested increased police deployment in key areas such as Shibbari, Sat Rasta, Zero Point, Gallamari, Khulna University premises, and major roads. On August 4, the district magistrate requested the Khulna sector commander of BGB to deploy forces to maintain public safety and order. On the same day, an appeal was made to the principal staff officer for deploying the armed forces in the area.

Inspector General of Police (IGP) Baharul Alam acknowledged significant lapses in police conduct during the protests in July and August, saying that some officers violated the law and failed to perform their duties. The police have faced considerable challenges since August 5, he said today in a press briefing at the Police Headquarters. “There is no doubt that during the July protests, some police officers were politically involved, and several officers were killed in those incidents. Despite these events, the police have often remained inactive, and there have even been cases of information being withheld from journalists,” the IGP said. Baharul Alam assumes role as new IGP "The present government is transparent. Unlike the previous government, there are no murders or abductions we need to conceal. We have nothing to hide now," he said. The IGP said that improper appointments and frequent transfers have weakened the force's effectiveness. “Since the political transition in Bangladesh, we have failed to place the right people in the right roles. On December 4, we formed mentoring and monitoring committees for each division to address this. Capable investigators will be assigned to critical areas to ensure law and order,” he said, emphasizing his primary responsibility to restore the police's morale and public confidence. ICT orders completion of probe against ex-IGP Mamun, 7 others in a month Addressing the plight of officers affected by the protests, the IGP detailed the financial aid provided to the families of those killed and injured. “We have provided Tk 13 lakh to the families of each of the 44 officers who lost their lives and issued fixed deposits to others. Additionally, we remain in contact with the 2,500 injured officers and are covering their medical expenses,” he added. The IGP also acknowledged that several senior police officials, including former Special Branch (SB) Chief Monirul Islam, Detective Branch (DB) Chief Harun ur Rashid, and DMP Commissioner Habibur Rahman remain missing. When asked when the police force would resume full operations on the ground, the IGP was unable to provide a definitive timeline but assured that a comprehensive restructuring was underway. “A complete overhaul will happen soon,” he promised.