Arrest warrant against ex-RAB DG: Shooting from helicopter

Former RAB Director General Harun Ur Rashid faces arrest warrant.

Dhaka, Jan 26 – The International Crimes Tribunal has issued an arrest warrant against former Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) Director General Harun Ur Rashid in a case over killing people shooting  from helicopters during the July uprising.

The tribunal, led by Chairman Golam Mortuza Majumder, passed the order on Sunday following a petition by the prosecution.

It also ordered the interrogation of sub-inspector Malek and constable Mukul in another case involving the burning of six bodies in Ashulia during the same period.

According to the prosecution, Harun Ur Rashid, who  served as the RAB DG from June 5 to August 6 last year, orchestrated  the helicopter shootings, indiscriminate killings and incitement.

Chief Prosecutor Tazul Islam said “Our investigation has found evidence of mass shootings from helicopter during the protests in July and August. Harun Ur Rashid, who was an Additional IGP at the time and RAB’s DG, executed these plans through his subordinates.”

 “The crimes committed by RAB under his leadership include grave violations. The tribunal has ordered his arrest and appearance before the court as soon as he is arrested.”

The tribunal  set March 23 for next hearing.

So far, the tribunal has issued arrest warrants against 96 people mostly police officers and some civilians, Tazul said. - UNB