ICT issues arrest warrants against ex-Rab DG Harun

The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) today issued arrest warrants against Md Harun or Rashid, former director general (DG) of Rapid Action Battalion (Rab).

The warrants have been issued for alleged crimes against humanity during the July-August Mass uprising of 2024 and enforced disappearances.

The prosecution informed the tribunal that the investigation revealed that Rab helicopters were used for firing on students during the protests in July last year, when Md Harun or Rashid was the DG of the force.

So, he is accused of command responsibility for these actions, the prosecution said.

Today, the tribunal, led by Justice Md Golam Mortuza Mazumder, passed the order after the prosecution sought arrest warrant for Harun or Rashid.

On July 31, 2024, the Rab Headquarters had issued a statement claiming that only teargas canisters and sound grenades were fired from their helicopters during the protests.

The statement denied any gunfire, saying, "No shots were fired from our helicopters. However, certain quarters are deliberately trying to make the use of helicopters controversial..."