Mahmudul Hasan

Dulal Rabidas of Kishoreganj passed away due to a cerebral haemorrhage (stroke). A local hospital issued a certificate on 27 July last year, specifying this as the cause of death. Yet, on 29

November, a murder case was filed at the Kishoreganj Sadar Model Police Station, alleging that he had been killed during the July popular uprising. The case named 768 individuals as accused, including 600 unidentified persons.

An investigation by Prothom Alo into this case has uncovered a series of irregularities, including allegations of harassment driven by extortion and prior enmities. Relatives of Dulal Rabidas themselves have asserted that the allegations made in the case are unfounded. The timeline of events, the description of the supposed murder, and the list of accused persons — all have been fabricated.

Following the fall of the Awami League government on 5 August last year, multiple cases relating to deaths during the July popular uprising have been filed across various police stations in the country. Numerous cases have also been initiated concerning injuries sustained during the events. In these cases, alongside genuine suspects, many individuals — including businessmen, professionals, people residing elsewhere, and non-political citizens — have allegedly been implicated purely for the purpose of harassment.

In addition to orchestrated incidents like that involving Dulal Rabidas, even in genuine cases, ‗case trading‘ is reportedly taking place — whereby individuals are being falsely implicated. Allegations have emerged of promises being made to remove names from cases, declarations being procured asserting that individuals were mistakenly accused, and assurances being given in police reports to portray accused persons as innocent — all in exchange for financial gain. Furthermore, it has been alleged that in some instances, financial benefits received from rival parties have led to deliberate false accusations.

According to information provided by the Police Headquarters, a total of at least 1,499 cases have been filed in connection with deaths, injuries, and various other incidents during the July uprising. Among these, 599 are murder cases, while the remaining 900 pertain to other offences. More than 10,000 individuals have been arrested in relation to these cases. Police sources have indicated that significant progress has been made in the investigation of several of the murder cases.

However, a review of 40 cases from various regions of the country — including the case concerning the death of Dulal Rabidas — has revealed widespread irregularities, including indiscriminate accusations. A substantial number of individuals have been named as accused with deliberate intent, rather than focusing solely on those directly involved in the incidents.

Field-level enquiries indicate that, in most areas, members or affiliates of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) have played a key role in these instances of malicious accusations. In certain cases, unscrupulous lawyers, members of the police force, and organised broker syndicates have also been implicated. In some instances, false accusations were made to frame rivals; in others, for the purpose of extortion, or due to personal or familial disputes. Alarmingly, cases have even been filed against individuals who were active participants in the July movement or who are known to be associated with BNP politics.

Sara Hossain, the honorary Executive Director of the Bangladesh Legal Aid and Services Trust (BLAST), told Prothom Alo that names are being inserted into case filings due to personal rivalries and animosities. She stressed that there must be avenues for innocent individuals to seek redress.

Who Are Filing the Cases

Of the 40 cases investigated by Prothom Alo, 23 were filed at various police stations within the Dhaka Metropolitan area, and 9 were filed in Chattogram. Among the remaining 8 cases, 6 originated in Narayanganj, while Kishoreganj and Feni accounted for one case each. Among the plaintiffs in these cases, 14 individuals are affiliated with the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). Two plaintiffs are fathers of martyrs. One plaintiff identified himself as a member of the Gono Odhikar Parishad. Another plaintiff, a youth wing (Jubo League) activist, is himself an accused person in a separate case. Among the remaining 22 plaintiffs, 9 declined to disclose their political affiliations, and the political or professional identity of the plaintiffs in 13 cases could not be determined.

During the investigation into these cases, more than a hundred individuals were interviewed, including plaintiffs, accused persons and their families, as well as relevant police personnel at various levels. In 21 of the cases, allegations emerged that money had been demanded or exchanged either prior to or following the filing of the case. In the remaining 19 cases, victims and their relatives claimed that individuals had been accused due to political, commercial, professional, or familial disputes. In many instances, the plaintiffs reportedly did not even know the individuals they accused.

Police and related sources have indicated that, following the events of 5 August, the morale of police personnel had significantly deteriorated. At that time, the situation at many police stations was such that they were unable to properly scrutinise and verify allegations before registering cases. In numerous instances, cases were also filed pursuant to court directives.

The indiscriminate naming of accused individuals reached such a level that the Ministry of Home Affairs was compelled to issue a cautionary notice. Issued on 14 October, the notice stated that false cases — including allegations of murder — were being filed against various individuals with the intention of extortion, blackmail, and harassment. The notice further emphasised that lodging such malicious and fabricated cases constitutes a criminal offence under the prevailing laws of the country. Authorities were instructed to take legal action against those engaging in such misconduct.

Moreover, senior government officials and the police leadership repeatedly assured that no action would be taken against individuals who had been wrongfully implicated in these cases.

However, arrests have not ceased. In cases where individuals have been implicated due to business or property disputes, rivals have actively pursued their detention. Simultaneously, in certain instances, police enthusiasm appeared heightened when arresting individuals accused with the intent of monetary “trade.” Allegations have also surfaced that, after suspects secured bail from the courts, threats of “shown arrest” — that is, arresting them under new cases — were used to extort money. In the early stages, there were also claims that, rather than formally filing charges, preliminary complaints were shown in draft form to extract payments from the accused.

Meanwhile, a significant number of those directly involved in attacks on students and civilians during the movement remain at large. The families of the martyrs have continued to demand justice for the deaths of their loved ones. However, officials involved in the investigations report that in almost every case, such a vast number of individuals have been charged that they are struggling to complete the investigations against all of them.

In this regard, the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Baharul Alam, spoke to this correspondent. He told Prothom Alo, ―Across the country, the cases are being supervised through ten Mentoring and Monitoring Teams. Of these, eight teams are deployed across the eight divisions, one team is based in the capital, and one is assigned to Gazipur. I am meeting with each team and analysing the cases. This initiative has significantly reduced instances of harassment against innocent individuals.‖

The IGP stated, “Regardless of the accused, charges will be pressed only against those directly involved in the crime.”

Inconsistencies in One Case

Babul Mia (28) and Saiful Islam (40), residents of Katiyadi in Kishoreganj, have been implicated in the Dulal murder case. Babul works in agriculture and livestock farming, while his brother-in-law Saiful is a small businessman. Both have been named as defendants in the case, and fearing arrest, they have fled their homes.

Babul Mia’s father, Bakul Mia, informed Prothom Alo that the charges against his son and son-in-law stem from a land dispute. “Neither of them has ever been involved in politics,” he said.

Following the first case, they were told that a sum of 50,000–60,000 BDT would remove their names from the list of accused. However, since they could not afford the payment, they have been named in three additional cases.

The murder case concerning Dulal was filed by one Rafiuul Alam, who introduced himself as a leader of the Gana Adhikar Parishad (People’s Rights Council), though he could not specify his position. According to the complaint, on 18th July of the previous year, Dulal was severely injured by gunfire from Awami League leaders and activists at Gaurangbazar, Kishoreganj. Subsequently, around 22– 23 individuals beat him mercilessly with rods. He died while being taken to the hospital.

After learning of such a case, Dulal’s son, Bikash Das, wrote to the

Chief Judicial Magistrate, the District Commissioner, and the Police Superintendent of Kishoreganj, stating that his father‘s death was due to natural causes. Bikash demanded punishment for those who, by filing a murder case, are harassing innocent people.

According to Dulal‘s younger brother, Kanchan Rabidas, Dulal was not present at the scene of the alleged murder on the 18th of July. Kanchan informed Prothom Alo that Dulal‘s death certificate states the cause of death as “stroke,” with the date of death recorded as 27th July.

To verify the allegations against the accused, Prothom Alo spoke with an individual who claimed to be a relative of Babul and Saiful and was introduced to Rafiuul Alam, the complainant. According to this individual, Rafiuul demanded 50,000 BDT per person to remove their names from the case. He also stated that a portion of this money would be given to a local lawyer and the police. Additionally, four other accused individuals from the case told Prothom Alo that they were similarly asked for 50,000–60,000 BDT to have their names removed.

In response to these allegations, Rafiuul denied any wrongdoing. He told Prothom Alo, “We saw Rabidas being murdered. Many of us filed the case. That‘s why, by mistake, many names were included.”

On the 4th of January, the victims of this case staged a human chain in Karimganj, Kishoreganj. They accused a local “Awami League lawyer,” Shawkat Kabir Khokon, of being involved in this “case business.” They further claimed that he had framed BNP leaders and activists in the case.

Shawkat Kabir, in response to the accusations, claimed to Prothom Alo that he is a ―soldier of BNP.‖ He stated that his reputation is being tarnished due to a smear campaign by the opposition, which alleges his involvement in case trading.

The Complainants Do Not Know the Accused

In the 40 cases investigated by Prothom Alo, the mobile numbers listed for the 11 complainants in the first information reports (FIRs) were found to be switched off. Some had changed their addresses or provided false ones. As a result, the accused and their relatives are unable to locate the complainants. Fourteen complainants stated that they were unaware of the cases and that others had filed the cases on their behalf. Among them, four individuals said they had only signed the papers, while others had provided the names of the accused.

The Objective: Financial Gain

In the early cases related to the uprising, most of the accused were significant figures from the ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina‘s government and the Awami League. Alongside these, many individuals were deliberately implicated in these cases for ulterior motives.

In early September last year, a murder case was filed in a police station in the capital, where more than ten senior police officers were named as accused. However, the police records clearly indicate that most of these officers were not present at the locations mentioned in the case at the time of the incident.

A police officer, who is an accused in the case, told Prothom Alo that the complainant had demanded 10 million Taka to remove the names of ten individuals from the FIR. Since the money was not paid, these individuals were also implicated in the case.

When contacted later, the complainant admitted to Prothom Alo that they did not know the accused, which was correct. However, they denied demanding any money.

Two murder cases involving the illegal targeting of businessmen have been filed at the Araihazar Police Station in Narayanganj. These cases have links to leaders from the Jubo Dal and BNP. The descriptions in the FIRs of the two cases are nearly identical. In both, three owners of a large export-oriented garment manufacturing company have been named as accused.

Five incidents have been reported where money was taken in exchange for assurances to remove names from the FIR or to withdraw applications for the inclusion of individuals in the accused list. One such incident involved a businessman from the capital, who requested his name be removed from the FIR. Speaking on condition of anonymity, the businessman told Prothom Alo, ―I had no involvement with the case in question. Afterward, I contacted the complainant and paid one lakh Taka, and they then submitted a request to have my name removed from the FIR.‖

During the July Movement, a police officer served as the Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) in a district of the capital. Currently working outside Dhaka, this officer received a message on his mobile phone from a local BNP leader. The message stated that to “avoid the case,” the recipient must pay five lakh Taka. On January 1, the officer showed this message to the reporter. Further investigation revealed that the individual was a BNP leader. After paying two lakh Taka, the officer agreed to remove the officer’s name from the case.

Cases Filed by ‘Conscious Citizens’

In many cases, individuals identifying themselves as ‘conscious citizens’ have filed cases instead of family members. In one such instance, two cases were filed for the same incident, and an additional one was requested.

Fakhrul Islam, a former student of Dhaka University, has been named as an accused in three murder cases filed at the Mirpur Police Station. Fakhrul, who currently works in a private company, is listed in the FIR as a former leader of the student wing of the Awami League. His two brothers were also named in these cases. In two of the cases, the incident is stated to have occurred on a Friday.

Two of the accused in these cases claim that the main intention behind recording the incident on a Friday was to harass individuals like themselves who are employed.

None of the victims’ relatives filed the three murder cases (involving

Mo. Selim Ali Sek (36), Parvez Hossain (21), and Mo. Monirul Islam (41)). These cases were filed by three individuals who introduced themselves as ‘conscious citizens.’ The descriptions in the FIRs of the three cases are almost identical.

Attempts to contact the complainant in Parvez’s case, Nurul Islam (40), at the number listed in the FIR were successful, but when asked about the allegations, he disconnected the call.

Unable to File a Case

Mizanur Rahman, a rickshaw puller and the father of Mahmudul Hasan, a teenager who was shot dead on 5th August in Dhaka, could not file a case. He went to the court on 12th September to file a case but discovered that two separate cases had already been filed at the Jatrabari and Demra police stations concerning the incident. In these cases, different locations were mentioned for Mahmudul’s death. Mizanur Rahman does not know the complainants in these cases. He lamented to Prothom Alo, saying, “My son was shot and killed during the movement, but I couldn‘t even file a case!”

Business Takeover Leads to Case

Amina Begum runs a restaurant business in Mirpur, Dhaka. Her business partner, identified as Rabiul Islam (Sumon), a senior joint convenor of the Vashantek Police Station Youth Wing of the BNP, is embroiled in a conflict with her over the management of the restaurant. In a conversation recorded on a mobile phone, Rabiul is heard saying, “I‘ve filed a case in the woman‘s (Amina‘s) name. Let her deal with it. If she complains too much, I‘ll file one in her husband‘s name as well, and I‘ll get him fired too.”

A case has been filed against Amina and 346 others at Vashantek Police Station by a man named Md. Mostakim. In the case documents, Mostakim claims to be a person injured during the movement who lost his right leg due to gunshots. Despite several attempts to contact him, his mobile phone number was found to be switched off.

Case Involves Misidentification of Amina

In the case, Amina is identified as the Vice-President of the Dhaka North Women‘s Awami League. However, her name does not appear in the committee list. The allegation against Amina is that on 19th July, in Kafrul, she struck the complainant on the head with a local weapon, an iron rod, or a wooden stick.

Amina, who resides in Comilla due to her husband‘s government job, was shown in a CCTV footage on the date and time mentioned in the case. The footage clearly shows that she was in Comilla at that time. The woman, who is the victim in this case, told Prothom

Alo that after the fall of the Awami League government, the Youth Wing leader had taken control of her restaurant and falsely implicated her in a case.

In response to this, Amina‘s husband has filed a General Diary (GD) at the Mirpur Model Police Station. On 5th January, Amina sent a written complaint regarding the matter to the Dhaka Metropolitan Police Commissioner.

Youth Wing leader Rabiul Islam told Prothom Alo, “There isn‘t just one case against Amina; there are three. She is involved in politics, and political cases are to be expected. If she is innocent, let her prove it in court.”

Rabiul stated that the complainant, Mostakim, is involved in the

Youth Wing (Jubo Dal). Regarding the phone conversation, he said, “When she (Amina) showed her power, I told her that if my party comes to power, you will lose your job.”

Family Feud Behind the Case

Enayet Karim, a businessman from Singra, Natore, was once the convener of the Dhaka University branch of the Zia Chhatra Parishad during his student days. He later became involved in BNP politics. Enayet has been named as an accused in two murder cases related to the July uprising in the capital, under police jurisdictions of Sutrapur and Banani. In the case documents, he is identified as an Awami League leader. On 28th December, when he visited his ancestral home, he was arrested by the Singra Police.

On 30th December, Enayet‘s wife and family members held a press conference in Natore, demanding the withdrawal of the case. They claimed that Enayet‘s nephew, Faisal Ahmed, a student of Dhaka University, was the one who initiated the case. Later, Enayet‘s wife, Umme Salma, told Prothom Alo that the case was filed due to a land dispute, and that Faisal had admitted to involving Enayet in the case.

Later, Enayet’s wife, Umme Salma, told Prothom Alo that Faisal had named Enayet in the case due to a land dispute. She further stated that Faisal had admitted this to the family members.

However, Faisal told Prothom Alo, “It is true that there is a family dispute, but I know nothing about the case. My uncle has been in liaison with the Awami League for a long time. Perhaps someone else from that circle might have filed the case.”

Professional Class Targeted by Lawsuits

An analysis of the types of cases reveals that in each case, individuals from specific professional backgrounds have been named as defendants. In some cases, cultural workers, businesspeople, journalists, police officers, and bureaucrats have been implicated. In other words, names from particular social classes and professions are being singled out, and lawsuits are being filed based on that.

For example, in a case filed with Shahbagh Police Station, at least 10 police officers have been named as defendants. On the date mentioned in the case, an Additional Superintendent of Police was in Khulna on official duty, yet his name was also included as a defendant.

On October 29th, a case filed in the Chief Metropolitan Magistrate’s (CMM) Court in Dhaka named 53 secretaries as defendants, accusing them of attempting murder by indiscriminately firing during the anti-discrimination student movement. The case, filed by former student leader Mohammad Zaman Hossain Khan, is being investigated by the Police Bureau of Investigation (PBI). One of the former secretaries named in the case told Prothom Alo that money had been demanded from him in various ways regarding the case.

A former senior official of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police has also been implicated in a case filed with Motijheel Police Station. In this case, the names of the accused were later included in a separate lawsuit filed in court. Upon investigation, it was found that a BNP leader was behind both cases.

In a murder case filed at the Jatrabari Police Station in Dhaka, nine members of the Bangladesh Agro Processors Association (BAPA), including its president, general secretary, and other committee members, have been named as defendants. These individuals are businessmen from various regions of the country. The case pertains to the murder of Mahadi Hasan, and the complainant claims to be the victim’s uncle. Meanwhile, Mahadi’s father has filed a separate case at the Kadamtali Police Station, stating that his son was martyred in the Kadamtali area, not Jatrabari.

Cases Filed Against Martyr’s Family

In a case related to the shooting of Ikramul Haque Sajid, a student of Jagannath University, three members of the family of Shahid Tanveer Siddiqui, who died in Chittagong during the protests, have been named as defendants. These individuals are former and current leaders of the Youth Wing and Student Wing of the opposition BNP, and they are from Cox’s Bazar. The case was filed by Ikramul’s father, Mohammad Ziaul Haque, at the Kafrul Police Station on 7th September.

Later, on 9th September, the accused filed a written complaint with the DMP Commissioner, claiming that during the tenure of the Awami League government, five members of their family were killed in an attack by the party’s leaders and activists in the Maheshkhali area of Cox’s Bazar. Several others were injured, and many had to flee their homes. They alleged that despite being in Cox’s Bazar during the protests, they were falsely implicated in a Dhaka-based case.

Mizanur Rahman Matabbar, the former vice president of

Maheshkhali Upazila Student League and Tanveer Siddiqui‘s cousin (the 54th accused), told Prothom Alo that they had never met or seen the complainant. Their names were added to the case after the complainant allegedly obtained their signatures. He also stated that during the time the incident supposedly occurred, they were involved in the movement in Maheshkhali, Cox’s Bazar, and Chittagong, far from Dhaka. He believes that the case stems from political rivalry, with an Awami League leader from Maheshkhali responsible for implicating them in the case.

In response, the complainant, Ziaul Haque, explained that he was not present at the incident and that the names of the accused were provided by the students and teachers who had witnessed the events.

What Will Happen to Innocent People?

It is reported that several of the cases filed during the July mass uprising are in the final stages of investigation. Many innocent people who have been wrongfully named as accused are already arrested and in jail. However, a significant portion of the individuals who directly shot at the students and those who gave the orders to shoot have not been apprehended. In this situation, both victims and experts are demanding that the actual perpetrators be identified and brought to justice. They expect to see the government’s commitment to ensuring that no one will be arrested without proper verification being implemented.

Former IGP Mohammad Nurul Huda told Prothom Alo that while the events are true, many of the accused have been wrongfully or deliberately implicated in these cases. He pointed out that the police should have been more cautious when accepting such cases. However, even at the instruction of the court, many cases had to be taken up by the police stations.

Nurul Huda emphasized that accused individuals must be arrested only after thorough verification. Innocent people should not be harassed. Additionally, there are legal provisions for taking action against those who file false cases, according to the criminal procedure code.