“I Am Prepared for Death”: Latif Siddique Speaks From the Dock

The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) in Dhaka has directed the immediate transfer of former minister Abdul Latif Siddique to prison after formally recording his arrest in a crimes against humanity case. The charges against the veteran politician pertain to his alleged involvement in the violent police crackdown on a massive rally convened by the Islamist organisation Hefazat-e-Islam at Shapla Square in Motijheel, Dhaka, in May 2013.

Mr Siddique was brought to the court complex shortly after 1:00 pm following his detention by law enforcement authorities on the authority of an active warrant. A three-judge panel of ICT-2, led by Chairman Justice Nazrul Islam Chowdhury, sanctioned the prosecution’s petition to formally register his arrest and remand him to judicial custody pending further investigation into the alleged crimes.

The state was represented in court by Chief Prosecutor Aminul Islam, together with Prosecutors Mizanul Islam and Gazi M. H. Tamim. Submitting the application before the bench, Prosecutor Mizanul Islam stated that law enforcement officers had produced the accused pursuant to a validly issued warrant. He noted that the defence had not lodged any formal petitions at that juncture and requested the court to order Mr Siddique’s immediate committal to jail.

The tribunal subsequently acceded to two procedural requests put forward by defence advocate Abdullah Al Harun Bhuiyan, granting permission for counsel to execute the power of attorney (okalatnama) and conduct a brief consultation with the accused within the tribunal’s holding cell.

However, dramatic scenes unfolded inside the courtroom as the judicial session drew to a close. Stepping up from his seat in the dock and holding a microphone, Mr Siddique repeatedly sought the bench’s attention, addressing the court on four distinct occasions. Because the bench was in the process of rising following the conclusion of formal proceedings, the court did not grant him leave to speak.

Visibly perturbed by the refusal, Mr Siddique expressed vocal dismay over the court’s strict adherence to procedure. When police officers approached to transfer him to the court lock-up, an agitated Mr Siddique initially refused compliance, engaging in a brief verbal exchange with the security detail regarding his right to remain standing.

Before being led away, the former minister declared to those present that he had wished to ask the tribunal to issue a death sentence, asserting that he was prepared for execution.

Background and Context

The legal proceedings stem from the events of 5–6 May 2013, when thousands of Hefazat-e-Islam supporters converged on the Motijheel financial district in central Dhaka to push for a 13-point mandate, including stringent laws against blasphemy. The political standoff culminated in a joint night-time operation by various state agencies to clear the venue, resulting in widespread violence, multiple casualties, and extensive damage to public property.

Abdul Latif Siddique, an influential political figure who served as the Minister for Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology in the Awami League administration, has faced a turbulent career in public life. In 2014, he was removed from the cabinet and expelled from the ruling party following severe public outrage over controversial remarks made during an event in the United States concerning the Hajj pilgrimage. His formal arrest by the tribunal represents a notable development in the judicial inquiries concerning the 2013 Shapla Square crackdown.