In a poignant step towards justice, the International Crimes Tribunal-1 (ICT-1) in Dhaka has commenced the trial for the Chankharpool killings, a tragic episode that claimed six lives during the July 2024 uprising. The courtroom, heavy with grief and expectation, heard the first witness testimony, marking a significant moment for families seeking accountability.
Trials of Chankharpool Killings
The trial focuses on the deaths of six individuals, including Shahariar Khan Anas, who were fatally shot in Dhaka’s Chankharpool area on 5 August 2024. Shahariar Khan Polash, the father of Anas, delivered a heart-wrenching account. He recalled the devastating moment he learned his son had been rushed to Sir Salimullah Medical College Mitford Hospital after being shot by police. Anas, alongside others, was near the Central Shaheed Minar when security forces opened fire in an alley at Nawab Katara. He was pronounced dead on arrival, shattering his family. Polash, his voice laden with sorrow, demanded the severest punishment for those responsible.
Eight individuals face charges of crimes against humanity in this case. Among them are former Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Habibur Rahman, former DMP Joint Commissioner Sudip Kumar Chakraborty, former Additional Deputy Commissioner Shah Alam Mohammad Akhtarul Islam, former Assistant Commissioner (Ramna zone) Mohammad Imrul, former Shahbagh Police Station Inspector Arshad Hossain, and constables Sujon, Imaz Hossain, and Nasirul Islam. Four of the accused—Arshad, Sujon, Imaz, and Nasirul—are in custody and appeared in court. The others remain at large, and their absence is a stark reminder of the challenges in delivering justice.
The prosecution, led by Chief Prosecutor Tajul Islam, presented its opening statement, setting the stage for a trial gripping the nation. The charges stem from the violent suppression of peaceful protesters during the July uprising, a period marked by widespread unrest. The tribunal’s investigation, spanning over six months, compiled a 90-page report with testimonies from 79 witnesses, alongside video footage, audio recordings, and other evidence, painting a grim picture of the events that unfolded.
For the families of the victims, including those of Sheikh Mahdi Hasan Junayed, Md Yakub, Md Rakib Hawlader, Md Ismamul Haque, and Manik Mia, the trial offers a glimmer of hope after profound loss. The proceedings, which adjourned briefly after the first testimony, are set to continue with further witness accounts, each one a step towards uncovering the truth.
The Chankharpool killings have left an indelible mark on Bangladesh, igniting calls for justice and reform. As the tribunal moves forward, the nation watches closely, hoping for answers and accountability for the lives lost in that fateful uprising. The pursuit of justice for the Chankharpool killings stands as a testament to the resilience of those who seek truth in the face of tragedy.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, August 11th, 2025
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