Former Minister Hasanul Haq Inu Faces Investigation Over Shapla Chattar Crackdown
Former Information Minister Hasanul Haq Inu faces potential criminal charges linked to the 2013 Shapla Chattar crackdown, as investigators uncover evidence of his involvement in suppressing information surrounding the incident. The announcement follows a recent ruling by the International Crimes Tribunal, which sentenced Inu to ten years of rigorous imprisonment in a separate case involving crimes against humanity committed during the July mass uprising.
Chief Prosecutor Aminul Islam disclosed that the investigation into the May 2013 crackdown on Hefazat-e-Islam suggests that the then-information minister played a pivotal role in obscuring the events at Motijheel. According to the prosecution, Inu acted under the instructions of the former administration to force Diganta Television and Islamic Television off the air as the operation unfolded.
Evidence indicates that both stations were shuttered within hours of the crackdown, and the offices of Islamic Television were subsequently vandalized. These outlets remained off the air for the duration of the Sheikh Hasina administration. Prosecutors allege that the information blackout was a deliberate effort by the former minister to conceal evidence and facilitate the cover-up of mass killings that occurred at Shapla Chattar. Authorities confirmed that a formal investigation report regarding these charges will be submitted shortly.
The inquiry into the Shapla Chattar events, which reportedly claimed at least 58 lives across Dhaka, Narayanganj, Comilla, and Chittagong, has already ensnared several high-profile figures. Among those currently in custody are former minister Dipu Moni, former state minister for home affairs Shamsul Haque, and several former top-ranking police officials, including ex-IGP A.K.M. Shahidul Haque. Prominent media figures, such as former Ekattor TV managing director Mozammel Babu and reporter Farzana Rupa, have also been arrested in connection with the ongoing probe.
Meanwhile, a warrant remains for deposed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, former home minister Mohiuddin Khan Alamgir, and other officials who remain at large. The tribunal continues to consolidate evidence as it expands its focus on the systemic suppression of information and human rights abuses that occurred under the previous government.
