International Crimes Tribunal investigators seek Ekattor TV license records amid probe into 2013 Shapla Chattar violence
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The investigation agency of the International Crimes Tribunal has formally requested a copy of the broadcasting license held by Ekattor Television as part of its ongoing inquiry into crimes against humanity allegedly committed during the 2013 Hefazat-e-Islam rally at Shapla Chattar in Dhaka.
The request was issued on Monday by Muhammad Shahidullah Chowdhury, co-coordinator of the tribunal’s investigation agency, in a letter addressed to the chief operating officer of the television station. According to investigators, the primary objective is to review the specific conditions stipulated in the license granted to the broadcaster, particularly given that the station commenced operations before the implementation of national broadcast policies.
Fateh Md. Iftekharul Alam, the lead investigator assigned to the Shapla Chattar case, confirmed the move, noting that the tribunal requires a thorough examination of the legal documents governing the outlet. The investigation agency has emphasized that obtaining the license and its associated documentation is critical to the broader proceedings, requesting full cooperation from the station’s management given the national importance of the case.
The inquiry centers on allegations of human rights abuses linked to the 2013 crackdown. Several prominent figures have already been arrested in connection with the investigation, including former Ekattor Television chief editor Mozammel Babu and former chief reporter Farzana Rupa. Other high-profile detainees in the same case include former Education Minister Dipu Moni, former State Minister for Home Affairs Shamsul Haque Tuku, Ekattorer Ghatak Dalal Nirmul Committee President Shahriar Kabir, retired Major General Ziaul Ahsan, and former senior police officials, including ex-Inspector General of Police AKM Shahidul Haque.
While a significant number of suspects remain in custody, authorities are still pursuing others implicated in the matter. Notable individuals currently listed as fugitives include ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, former Home Minister Mohiuddin Khan Alamgir, former police chiefs Hasan Mahmud Khandaker and Benazir Ahmed, and Gonojagoron Moncho spokesperson Imran H. Sarker. The investigation remains active, and a formal report is yet to be submitted to the tribunal.
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