Charges Filed in Dhaka Violence Case

A police investigation into a violent incident during the July protests in Dhaka’s Mohammadpur area has resulted in a charge sheet naming former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and 39 others. The case relates to the alleged shooting and assault of a student activist during unrest linked to the broader July movement.

According to official documents, the case was originally filed naming 129 individuals, including Sheikh Hasina, along with between 100 and 150 unidentified persons. However, after completion of the investigation, authorities found no substantive evidence against 127 of the accused and recommended their discharge from the case.

The charge sheet was submitted to the court on 20 April by Sub-Inspector Ferdous Zaman of Mohammadpur Police Station, who acted as the investigating officer. He stated that only 40 individuals were found to have credible involvement based on the findings.

Among those named in the charge sheet are several high-profile political figures, including former ministers and party leaders such as Obaidul Quader, Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, and Jahangir Kabir Nanak, alongside former Member of Parliament Sadeq Khan. Local political figures, including former councillors Asif Ahmed and Tarequzzaman Rajib, as well as student wing activist Naeemul Hasan Russell, have also been listed.

In contrast, several individuals have been recommended for discharge due to lack of evidence placing them at the scene during the incident. These include Kamrul Hossain, Wahid Hasan, Akkas Sardar, Morshedul Alam Chowdhury (also known as Taju), Mohammad Nizam Uddin, Abbas Uddin, Tofail Ahmed, Nikhil Chandra Shil, and Tota Mollah.

The investigating officer claimed that the accused acted under a coordinated plan allegedly involving senior leadership, stating that directives were issued to suppress student and public demonstrations through force.

Background of the Incident

According to the First Information Report, the incident occurred on 19 July 2024, when protesters gathered near the Mayur Villa area adjacent to Mohammadpur bus stand from around 9:00 a.m. By approximately 2:45 p.m., the situation escalated when law enforcement allegedly used baton charges and opened fire on demonstrators.

During the clash, student activist Sheikh Mohammad Ashik, identified as a member of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party’s student wing, was seriously injured after being shot. He fell to the ground and, according to the case statement, was initially presumed dead by those involved in the confrontation before being left at the scene.

The case was officially lodged on 28 September at Mohammadpur Police Station following the incident.

Case Overview

This development marks a significant progression in a politically sensitive case arising from the July unrest, with legal proceedings now expected to continue in court.