A case has been filed against 165 individuals, including former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and eight journalists, over their alleged involvement in the mass killing of protesters during the July Uprising.
Md Rafiqul Islam Bepari lodged the case at Paltan Police Station in the capital on 16 March, confirmed Officer-in-Charge (OC) Nasirul Amin.
The accused journalists include Ayub Bhuiyan, general secretary of the National Press Club; Santosh Sharma, editor of the Daily Kalbela; Shariful Islam Mollah, managing editor of Samakal; Saiful Islam, former president of Dhaka Reporters Unity and ex-chief editor of Boishakhi TV; Zulfiqar Ali Manik, former planning editor of Boishakhi TV; Motahar Hossain of climate journal online; Asaduzzaman of Samakal; and Hira Talukder, former reporter of Shomoyer Alo.
The plaintiff alleged that these individuals, affiliated with the Awami League, played a role in violent attacks that led to multiple deaths, including that of his cousin, Saiful Islam.
According to the case statement, on 19 July, the accused carried out an attack on protesters in the Kakrail area of Dhaka. Some were accused of directly participating in or ordering the violence, while others allegedly incited it. The coordinated assault, including gunfire, resulted in multiple fatalities and injuries.
The case has gained attention as the Metropolitan Magistrate Court has taken cognizance of the complaint, registering it as an FIR and ordering an investigation into the matter.
