DHAKA – Former Bangladeshi police chief Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun appeared in court on Nov 20, facing charges of overseeing crimes against humanity during the violent suppression of protests that led to the overthrow of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
Prosecutors at Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal accused Al-Mamun of masterminding a deadly crackdown during the August uprising that toppled Hasina’s government. The crackdown left over 700 protesters dead, according to allegations presented in court.
Eight other defendants, including Ziaul Ahsan, a former commander of the controversial Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), were also in court. Chief prosecutor Mohammad Tajul Islam accused the group of committing “crimes that even devils dare not do.”
Al-Mamun was described as the “commander of all atrocities” committed during the protests. Prosecutors outlined a range of accusations, including extrajudicial killings, body mutilations, and the suppression of dissent through mass surveillance and internet blackouts.
One of the most shocking allegations involved the killing of student protester Shaikh Ashabul Yamin, whose death was captured on video showing his body being thrown from a police armored vehicle. The defendants were not asked to enter pleas but sat in silence throughout most of the hearing. Former police officer Majharul Islam, however, broke down in tears, claiming he supported the protests and pleading for mercy.
The court has given prosecutors until Dec 19 to complete their investigation, with all accused remaining in custody. Ms. Sheikh Hasina, who ruled Bangladesh for 15 years, faces her own arrest warrant for alleged crimes against humanity. She fled to India in early August and remains in exile.
This case follows similar charges filed on Nov 18 against 11 former government ministers, signaling a broader push to hold top officials accountable for abuses during Hasina’s administration.