The prosecution has received the investigation report into the alleged killings during the Hefazat-e-Islam rally at Shapla Chattar in Dhaka, with former prime minister Sheikh Hasina and 40 others named as accused.

Chief Prosecutor Aminul Islam of the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) confirmed the development on Sunday morning.

According to the investigation report, those accused include former army chief General Aziz Ahmed, former Ekattor TV Editor-in-Chief Mozammel Haque Babu, the channel's former chief reporter Farzana Rupa, journalist Shahriar Kabir, as well as the then inspectors general of police and the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), and the then commissioner of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP).

The ICT's investigation agency has already submitted the report to the prosecution, which is currently reviewing its findings.

The prosecution is scheduled to formally submit the investigation report before the International Crimes Tribunal on 21 July.

Meanwhile, a delegation of 10 to 15 leaders of Hefazat-e-Islam Bangladesh visited the Chief Prosecutor's Office on Sunday to inquire about the progress of the case.

The delegation, led by the organisation's Senior Nayeb-e-Amir Abdul Hamid, widely known as the Madhupur Pir Sahib, met Chief Prosecutor Aminul Islam.

Among those present were Hefazat Joint Secretary General Maulana Mamunul Haque, Mufti Harun Izhar, Mufti Mir Idris and several other senior leaders.

On 5 May 2013, Hefazat-e-Islam Bangladesh staged a mass rally at Shapla Chattar in Motijheel, Dhaka, pressing a 13-point demand.

Following a day of tension and clashes, a joint operation by police, the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) and the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) cleared the area late at night.

Allegations that numerous people were killed during the operation are currently under investigation by the International Crimes Tribunal.

SM/CitizenTimes