Shooting from helicopter: ICT issues arrest warrant against ex-RAB DG

Former Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) Director General Harun Ur Rashid.

According to the prosecution, Harun Ur Rashid, who served as the RAB DG from 5 June to 6 August last year, orchestrated the helicopter shootings, indiscriminate killings and incitement

UNB

Publisted at 8:01 PM, Sun Jan 26th, 2025

The International Crimes Tribunal has issued an arrest warrant against former Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) Director General Harun Ur Rashid in a case over killing people shooting from helicopters during the July uprising.

The tribunal, led by Chairman Golam Mortuza Majumder, passed the order on Sunday following a petition by the prosecution.

It also ordered the interrogation of sub-inspector Malek and constable Mukul in another case involving the burning of six bodies in Ashulia during the same period.

According to the prosecution, Harun Ur Rashid, who served as the RAB DG from 5 June  to 6 August last year, orchestrated the helicopter shootings, indiscriminate killings and incitement.

Chief Prosecutor Tazul Islam said “Our investigation has found evidence of mass shootings from helicopter during the protests in July and August. Harun Ur Rashid, who was an Additional IGP at the time and RAB’s DG, executed these plans through his subordinates.”

 “The crimes committed by RAB under his leadership include grave violations. The tribunal has ordered his arrest and appearance before the court as soon as he is arrested.”

The tribunal  set March 23 for next hearing.

So far, the tribunal has issued arrest warrants against 96 people mostly police officers and some civilians, Tazul said.

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