Ex-IGP’s Testimony Proves Hasina’s Misrule: Tajul

Mamun, who turned approver in a crimes against humanity case linked to the July Mass Uprising, testified before ICT-1 on September 2. He pleaded guilty and sought mercy for his role in the brutal crackdown on protesters.

In his statement, Mamun claimed that the killings and other atrocities committed during the uprising were carried out under the direct instructions of then Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal.

“On July 18, 2024, Home Minister Kamal informed me that Sheikh Hasina had personally ordered the use of lethal weapons to suppress the uprising,” Mamun told the tribunal. He said the directive was conveyed to police units nationwide, including Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP), by then Additional DIG Proloy Kumar Joarder.

Mamun alleged that senior police officers, including former DMP Commissioner Habibur Rahman and Additional Commissioner Mohammad Harun-or-Rashid, were particularly enthusiastic about implementing the order. He further claimed that several senior political figures — including Obaidul Quader, Anisul Huq, Salman F. Rahman, Rashed Khan Menon, Hasanul Haq Inu, Jahangir Kabir Nanak, and others — supported the move to use force.

From July 19, a series of late-night strategy meetings were held at the Home Minister’s residence in Dhanmondi, where directives were issued on how to suppress the movement. Mamun stated that the Directorate General of Forces Intelligence (DGFI) proposed arresting the leaders of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement — a move he initially opposed but eventually carried out under pressure.

The then DB Chief Harun was tasked with the arrests. Mamun revealed that detainees were brought to the Detective Branch and pressured — along with their families — to compromise with the government. The detained student leaders were eventually forced to withdraw from the movement and issue televised statements.

Recalling the events of August 5, 2024, Mamun said that as massive crowds of students and civilians converged on Dhaka, he received word that Prime Minister Hasina was planning to relinquish power, though her destination remained unclear.

Later that day, Mamun was flown via army helicopter to the Tejgaon Airport helipad and then to the Officers’ Mess in the cantonment, along with other high-ranking police officials, including SB Chief Monirul Islam and DIG Amena Begum. His appointment as IGP was revoked the following day, and he was arrested on September 3.

Seeking forgiveness, Mamun told the tribunal: “If my honest and complete testimony can help bring out the truth, and if Allah grants me more life, I will spend my remaining days with at least some relief from this burden of guilt.”

Mamun, who served over 36 years in the police force, described policing as a “tricky job” that often draws public criticism. He said he had maintained integrity throughout his career and had never faced accusations — until the events of July 2024.

“Yet, at the end of my career, a grave mass killing occurred under my watch. I accept responsibility for that,” he concluded.