Michael Chakma, a leader of the United People’s Democratic Front (UPDF), who was abducted during Sheikh Hasina’s authoritarian regime, has filed allegations against the responsible individuals at the International Crimes Tribunal.
Chakma arrived at the Chief Prosecutor’s Office of the tribunal on Wednesday (18 December).
Accompanying him were photographer Shahidul Alam and his spouse, Professor Rahnuma Ahmed.
The abduction occurred on 9 April 2019, in the Kanchpur area of Narayanganj, as Chakma was returning to Dhaka after completing organisational work.
Following the downfall of Sheikh Hasina’s government, Chakma was released on 7 August 2024, after being held captive for over five years.
He was freed at dawn in a location near Chattogram, blindfolded and abandoned.
In a statement, UPDF Central Vice-President Nutan Kumar Chakma claimed that Chakma was abducted on the orders of Sheikh Hasina’s fascist Awami League government and detained unlawfully for an extended period exceeding five years.
Chakma’s filing marks a significant move towards accountability for human rights violations allegedly committed during Sheikh Hasina’s tenure.
