Former Minister Abdul Latif Siddique sent to jail in Shapla Chattar massacre case

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Former minister Abdul Latif Siddiqui was remanded to prison by the International Crimes Tribunal-2 on Thursday in connection with a case involving alleged crimes against humanity during the 2013 Hefazat-e-Islam rally at Shapla Chattar. The tribunal, led by Justice Nazrul Islam Chowdhury alongside judges Md. Manjurul Basid and Nur Mohammad Shahriar Kabir, granted the state’s request to formally arrest and detain the former minister following his appearance at the court.

Siddiqui was transported to the tribunal in a Dhaka Metropolitan Police Detective Branch (DB) vehicle, accompanied by his brother, Krishak Sramik Janata League President Bangabir Kader Siddiqui. The proceedings were marked by visible tension in the courtroom. When Siddiqui’s legal counsel requested permission for him to address the bench, the tribunal denied the motion. Despite this, Siddiqui attempted to speak through the courtroom microphone, drawing an immediate rebuke from the judges who questioned his authorization to speak and abruptly halted the session.

Following the court’s adjournment, a heated confrontation broke out between police and Siddiqui’s supporters. As officers attempted to direct the former minister, he resisted, insisting that his physical stance was his own prerogative. Tensions escalated further when Kader Siddiqui attempted to approach his brother, leading to a verbal altercation between police personnel and members of the defense team.

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This case is part of a broader legal action naming 41 individuals, including ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, for their alleged roles in the crackdown on the Shapla Chattar gathering. Siddiqui is one of 11 individuals currently in custody in connection with the investigation.

Siddiqui was initially taken into custody by the Detective Branch on Wednesday evening from his residence in Gulshan, acting on a warrant issued by the International Crimes Tribunal. His arrest marks another legal challenge for the former Awami League minister, who had previously been detained in August following the July uprising in connection with a separate case filed under the Anti-Terrorism Act. Although he had been released on bail in that matter, the proceedings remain active.