The prosecution has welcomed the International Crimes Tribunal's (ICT) verdict in a crimes against humanity case over the shooting of a man left hanging from the ledge of a building during the July Uprising in Dhaka's Rampura.
The ruling, which also covers the killings of two others, was denounced as “flawed” by the defence, which vowed to appeal.
On Sunday, ICT-1 sentenced former Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Habibur Rahman, former Khilgaon Zone ADC Rashedul Islam and former Rampura Police chief Mashiur Rahman to death.
Former SI Tarikul Islam Bhuiyan received life imprisonment, while former Rampura Police Outpost ASI Chanchal Chandra Sarkar was jailed for 20 years.
Of the convicts, only Chanchal is in custody.
Chief Prosecutor Aminul Islam said the charges had been proved beyond reasonable doubt.
"We thank God for this verdict," he said.
He said the prosecution presented video footage, Habibur’s wireless messages and supporting evidence relating to the deaths and injuries.
Referring to the tribunal's observations, Aminul said it found Habibur had irresponsibly incited subordinates through wireless communications and played a direct role in the killings.
According to evidence, he added, officers involved in the Jul 19 killings under Rashedul's leadership were rewarded Tk 1,000 each, while Mashiur received Tk 100,000 two or three days later.
Criticising the previous government, Aminul alleged police, acting under its directives, indiscriminately killed and injured civilians and had received appropriate punishment.
He said arrest warrants would be issued against the absconding convicts under Section 20(3) of the law, with copies sent to the Ministry of Home Affairs. Interpol assistance will be sought.
Describing the crimes, Aminul said Maya Islam was shot in the abdomen, while child Basit Khan Musa, who was on his way to buy ice cream with his father, was shot through the head, the bullet striking his grandmother, who later died.
Nadim Mizan was shot dead while returning from a mosque.
He said Amir Hossain, hanging from a building ledge to save himself, was ordered to jump. When he refused, police reportedly shot him six times, leaving him permanently paralysed.
Defence lawyer Sarwar Jahan Nippon said Chanchal had no weapon and was on duty at the Bangladesh Television Centre, supported by call records and CCTV footage.
He argued the tribunal improperly relied on an “extrajudicial confession” in a video after proceedings had ended.
Chanchal's brother Utpal Chandra Sarkar also announced an appeal, citing alleged inconsistencies over call records, weapon issuance and the timing of his arrest.
Expressing frustration, he alleged his minority status had influenced perceptions, but said the family still had faith in the judiciary and would pursue justice through appeal.
