Lieutenant Colonel Redwanul Islam and Major Md. Rafat Bin Alam appeared before the International Crimes Tribunal on Thursday, 4 December, in connection with alleged crimes against humanity committed during the July–August killings in Rampara, Dhaka. The two officers were transported under tight security from Dhaka Cantonment’s special prison to the tribunal in a secured prison van.
The hearing, overseen by a three-member panel led by Tribunal-1 Chairman Justice Md. Golam Mortuza Majumder, focuses on the formal charge framing against four individuals implicated in the Rampara violence. Security around the tribunal was notably stringent, with High Court police, Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), and army personnel deployed to ensure the safety of all involved.
While Lieutenant Colonel Redwanul Islam and Major Rafat Bin Alam were present, the other two accused remain at large: former Additional Deputy Commissioner of Khilgaon, Md. Rashedul Islam, and former Officer-in-Charge of Rampura Police Station, Md. Moshiur Rahman. On 24 November, the tribunal appointed state defence counsel for the absconding officers, with Supreme Court lawyer Masud Salahuddin tasked with representing the military personnel currently in detention.
The charges stem from violent incidents during the July–August student and public movement, in which 28 people were reportedly killed in Rampara. Investigation reports indicate that all four accused are formally charged with involvement in the killings. This appearance follows their previous tribunal presentation on 22 October, when Redwanul Islam and Rafat Bin Alam were also remanded to custody.
Summary of Accused
| Accused | Rank / Position | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Redwanul Islam | Lieutenant Colonel, BGB | Present |
| Md. Rafat Bin Alam | Major, former BGB | Present |
| Md. Rashedul Islam | Former ADC, Khilgaon | Absconding |
| Md. Moshiur Rahman | Former OC, Rampura | Absconding |
The tribunal proceedings are expected to continue with further evidence presentation and witness testimonies. Legal analysts note that the case has drawn significant attention due to the high-profile status of the accused and the gravity of the alleged crimes. Authorities maintain that efforts to apprehend the remaining absconding officers are ongoing, with law enforcement agencies coordinating across multiple jurisdictions to ensure their capture and trial.