Summary:
- The International Criminal Tribunal (ICT) has ordered APBn Constable Md Sujon Hossain to be shown arrested and sent to jail for shooting five people during protests in Chankharpool on August 5, 2024.
- Sujon, already in custody for another case, was presented before the tribunal on January 12, 2025, under a production warrant.
- The shooting incident, captured on video and widely shared on social media, occurred during mass protests that led to the resignation of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
- The tribunal has set January 23, 2025, as the deadline for submitting the investigation report into the case.
The International Criminal Tribunal (ICT) has ordered the detention of Armed Police Battalion (APBn) Constable Md Sujon Hossain in connection with the shooting of five individuals during the mass protests in Dhaka’s Chankharpool area on August 5, 2024. The tribunal’s decision, issued on January 12, 2025, comes as part of an ongoing investigation into the violent events that unfolded during the student-led uprising against the government of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
Md Sujon Hossain, who is already in custody for a separate case filed at Shahbagh Police Station, was presented before the tribunal under a production warrant. Prosecutor BM Sultan Mahmud confirmed that the tribunal, chaired by Justice Md Golam Mortuza Majumder, ordered Sujon to be shown arrested in this case and remanded him to jail. The court also set January 23 as the deadline for submitting the investigation report.
The incident in question occurred on August 5, 2024, during a large-scale protest demanding the resignation of Sheikh Hasina and her government. The demonstrations culminated in her eventual resignation and departure from Bangladesh later that day. During the protests near Borhanuddin College in Chankharpool, Constable Sujon was captured on video firing indiscriminately at protesters and bystanders. The footage, which showed him shooting while standing, kneeling, or lying down, went viral on social media and sparked widespread outrage.
The August 5 protests were a pivotal moment in Bangladesh’s political history. They marked the culmination of years of unrest and dissatisfaction with Sheikh Hasina’s administration, fueled by allegations of corruption, economic mismanagement, and democratic backsliding. The demonstrations were part of a broader movement known as the Student–People’s Uprising, which saw millions take to the streets across Bangladesh. The violence during these protests resulted in numerous casualties and injuries.
The ICT’s decision to detain Sujon underscores efforts to ensure accountability for actions taken during the unrest. His arrest represents a step toward addressing allegations of excessive use of force by law enforcement during the protests. Human rights organizations have called for thorough investigations into such incidents to uphold justice and prevent future abuses.
As Bangladesh continues its transition under an interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, addressing past grievances and ensuring accountability remain critical for fostering stability and public trust.
Source: TBS News
