Former Minister Latif Siddiqui to Surrender Before International Crimes Tribunal Over Shapla Chattar Case

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Former cabinet minister Abdul Latif Siddique announced Wednesday that he intends to surrender to the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) next week to face charges linked to the 2013 Hefazat-e-Islam rally at Shapla Chattar. Siddique, who was expelled from the Awami League, confirmed his decision following an appearance at the Dhaka Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Court for a separate anti-terrorism case.

Addressing reporters outside the courtroom, the veteran politician stated that he had been informed of an arrest warrant issued against him by the tribunal regarding the violent crackdown at Shapla Chattar. He emphasized his intention to appear voluntarily, asserting that he prefers transparency over evasion. Regarding the allegations, Siddique denied any involvement in the 2013 incident, maintaining that he had no knowledge of the events despite serving as a minister at the time.

Siddique’s legal troubles stem from a broader history of political volatility. He was previously arrested in August 2023 at the Dhaka Reporters Unity, where he and 15 others were detained by a mob before being handed over to police. That incident led to a case under the Anti-Terrorism Act, for which he had been attending scheduled court hearings. During Wednesday’s proceedings, the court extended the deadline for a probe report in that case to September 7, as investigators failed to submit their findings.

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A five-time former member of parliament, Siddique began his tenure as a minister in 2009. His political trajectory shifted in 2014 when he was expelled from the Awami League and stripped of his cabinet position following controversial remarks concerning the Hajj pilgrimage. Although he secured a parliamentary seat as an independent candidate in the 2024 elections, his tenure concluded shortly thereafter when the legislature was dissolved following the student-led mass uprising that ousted the Awami League government. When prompted by journalists for his perspective on the potential return of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Siddique declined to comment.