Awami League (AL) Presidium Member and former minister Shajahan Khan and Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (Jasad) President and former minister Hasanul Haq Inu on Sunday allegedly threatened and verbally abused police officers during an argument over the use of handcuffs while being produced before the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT).
The incident occurred as the accused were brought to the ICT in connection with a genocide case related to the July uprising. Tensions rose when they were taken out of the prison van and escorted to the tribunal’s detention centre.
During the hearing, Shajahan Khan displayed his handcuffed hands to the judges and said, “I am a valiant freedom fighter, and I have been handcuffed. It’s disgraceful for me.” His lawyer also raised the matter before the court, prompting the tribunal to summon the concerned police officers for clarification.
Police member Nurunnabi told the tribunal that the handcuffing was done as per directives from the police headquarters. Another officer, Shahidul, alleged that the accused had verbally abused them, saying, “They called us Razakar’s children, threatened us, and even issued threats against our family members.” In response, the tribunal noted, “If any accused behave unruly, the police are to take lawful action. However, officers must also ensure they do not overstep their bounds.”
Later, Shajahan Khan, Hasanul Haq Inu, Rashed Khan Menon, and Qamrul Islam, who were present in the dock, denied all allegations, stating that they did not make any such remarks and that the police claims were false.
A total of 19 high-profile individuals—including former ministers and advisers to the prime minister—were produced before the ICT in connection with alleged crimes against humanity.
Those named in the case include Anisul Huq, Amir Hossain Amu, Shahjahan Khan, Qamrul Islam, Faruk Khan, Abdur Razzaque, Rashed Khan Menon, Hasanul Haq Inu, Kamal Ahmed Majumder, Golam Dastagir Gazi, and Dipu Moni. Former state minister Zunaid Ahmed Palak and former prime minister’s advisers Salman F Rahman and Tawfiq-e-Elahi Chowdhury are also among the accused.
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