In a dramatic development in the trial over the July Uprising massacre, former Bangladesh Inspector General of Police (IGP) Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun on Thursday admitted responsibility for crimes against humanity and expressed his willingness to become an approver in the case.
Standing before the International Crimes Tribunal-1 (ICT-1), Mamun made a startling confession, saying, “I am involved in the July massacre. I voluntarily want to be the approver in the case. I was involved in the July-August massacre and take full responsibility.”
The ICT-1 formally framed charges against three high-profile accused—ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, former home minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal and former IGP Al-Mamun, for their alleged involvement in crimes against humanity committed during the July Uprising last year.
The charges, spread across five counts, include widespread killings, torture and coordinated attacks on civilians during a state-led crackdown on protestors. The ICT bench rejected the discharge petitions submitted by the defence.
The tribunal, led by Justice Md Golam Mortuza Majumder and comprising Justice Md. Shafiul Alam Mahmud and Judge Md. Mohitul Haque Enam Chowdhury, has fixed August 3 and 4 as the dates for hearing the prosecution’s opening statements.
Mamun was present in the courtroom during Thursday’s proceedings. Addressing the bench, he said, “I plead guilty. I will make a statement in favour of the prosecution at a later stage.” The court officially noted Mamun’s statement, stating that a decision on treating him as an approver will be taken at a later phase of the trial.
Mamun’s admission is seen as a potential turning point in the high-profile case. As the then-police chief, his testimony could prove crucial in establishing a chain of command and accountability during the violence that unfolded in July and August last year, which left scores dead and hundreds injured. Legal analysts say his role as an approver could significantly strengthen the prosecution’s case against the other accused, particularly the former prime minister and home minister.
With the trial now officially underway, the ICT-1 is expected to proceed with hearings next month as the country watches a landmark case in the making—one that seeks justice for one of the darkest chapters in recent political history.
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