The verdict in a high-profile war crimes case concerning the shooting of young Amir Hossain and the killing of two others in Rampura, Dhaka, during the mass uprising of 24 July, will be announced on 4 March. The date was set on Sunday (15 February) by the three-member International Crimes Tribunal-1, chaired by Justice Golam Mortuza Majumder. Prosecutor Gazi M.H. Tamim confirmed the schedule.
Case Background
According to tribunal sources, formal proceedings began on 15 February following the framing of charges. The prosecution alleges that the incident constituted a grave instance of “excessive and deliberate use of state power,” amounting to crimes against humanity. The accused have denied all charges.
On 19 July 2024, following Friday prayers, Amir Hossain was returning home amid student protests against discrimination. During the confrontations between protesters and police in Rampura, he sought refuge on the fourth floor of an under-construction building to evade police pursuit. Allegedly, law enforcement officers tracked him to the building, threatened him to jump, and fired warning shots. In fear, Amir hung from a rod outside the building.
Witness accounts and investigative reports state that six rounds were fired at him from the third floor, striking both his legs. After police withdrew, he fell onto the third floor, severely injured and bleeding. He was rescued after nearly three hours by a student and two doctors and subsequently admitted to a local hospital, before being transferred to Dhaka Medical College Hospital. After extensive treatment, he survived.
On the same day, two others were reportedly shot and killed in front of the incident site, forming part of the same coordinated operation.
Accused Individuals
A total of five persons are implicated in the case. Four remain at large, while one is in custody.
| No. | Name | Position at the Time | Current Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Habibur Rahman | Former Commissioner, Dhaka Metropolitan Police | Fugitive |
| 2 | Rashedul Islam | Former ADC, Khilgaon Zone | Fugitive |
| 3 | Moshiur Rahman | Former OC, Rampura Police Station | Fugitive |
| 4 | Tariqul Islam Bhuiya | Former SI | Fugitive |
| 5 | Chanchal Chandra Sarkar | Former ASI | Arrested, in prison |
Legal and Human Rights Implications
Legal experts suggest that the forthcoming verdict could set a crucial precedent regarding the limits of force and accountability in managing civil unrest. Human rights organisations are closely monitoring the case, as the ruling may ignite renewed debate over the ethical and legal standards governing the use of state power.
Observers note that the case underscores broader questions about state responsibility and the protection of civilians during mass protests, potentially influencing both domestic policy and international human rights discourse.