Hasina, 8 journos sued over attack on July protesters in Kakrail

Sheikh Hasina

Dhaka, Mar 29 -- A case has been filed against 165 individuals, including former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and eight journalists, in connection with their alleged involvement in the mass killing of protesters during the July Uprising.

Md. Rafiqul Islam Bepari filed the case in the capital's Paltan Police Station on March 16, said Nasirul Amin, officer-in-charge (OC) of police station.

The accused journalists are Ayub Bhuiyan, general secretary of National Press Club, Santosh Sharma, editor of the Daily Kalbela, Shariful Islam Mollah, managing editor of Samakal, Saiful Islam, former president of Dhaka Reporters Unity and former chief editor of Boishakhi TV, Zulfiqar Ali Manik, former planning editor of Boishakhi TV, Motahar Hossain of Climate Journal Online, Asaduzzaman of Samakal and Hira Talukder, former reporter of Shomoyer Alo.

All of them are alleged to be beneficiaries of the ousted Awami League regime and are implicated in the murders during the July Uprising.

The plaintiff alleged that these individuals, who are affiliated with the Awami League, played a role in the violent attacks that led to the deaths and injuries of several people, including the plaintiff's cousin, Saiful Islam, who was among those killed.

According to the case statement, on July 19, the accused attacked the protesters in the capital’s Kakrail area.

Some were accused of directly participating in or ordering the attack, while others are said to have incited it. The coordinated shooting and attacks resulted in the brutal death of Saiful Islam and left many others injured.

The case has drawn attention as the Metropolitan Magistrate Court has taken cognizance of the complaint, registering the complaint as an FIR and ordering an investigation. - UNB