Hefazat Lists 93 reported Killed at Shapla Chattar in 2013

Hefazat-e-Islam Bangladesh has published a preliminary list naming 93 individuals reportedly killed during the law enforcement crackdown at Shapla Chattar in Motijheel on 5 May 2013. The organisation clarified that this figure is provisional and subject to change upon further verification.

"This is not the final list. The number of victims may increase or decrease as we continue our verification efforts. We aim to release the final list by the end of this month," said Maulana Mohiuddin Rabbani, central nayeb-e-ameer of Hefazat-e-Islam.

Rabbani also mentioned that the organisation's senior leaders are holding frequent meetings to finalise the list and to proceed with legal actions.

The ongoing preparation of the final list is part of Hefazat's initiative to file a murder case regarding the deaths that occurred during the Motijheel rally.

On 27 November 2024, Hefazat lodged a complaint with the prosecution of the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT), accusing former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and 49 others in connection with the incident. A similar case was filed on 18 August of the same year, naming Hasina and 33 others, and alleging mass killings.

The violence of 5 and 6 May 2013 occurred during a Hefazat rally at Shapla Chattar, where the group was demanding the enactment of a blasphemy law. In response, the government initiated a joint operation involving police, Rapid Action Battalion, and Border Guard Bangladesh.

Residents in the area reported hearing gunfire during the night-time operation, which was carried out under a complete blackout. The precise number of casualties from the crackdown remains a subject of controversy.