A former deputy inspector general (DIG) of Bangladesh Police has expressed his willingness to testify as a state witness in a case linked to the alleged killings during the Shapla Chattar incident, marking a new development in the long-running proceedings.
Former DIG Abdul Jalil Mondal conveyed his intention through his legal counsel during a hearing at the International Crimes Tribunal-1 on Wednesday.
His lawyer Ali Haider informed the tribunal that Mondal is willing to cooperate with the prosecution by becoming a state witness in the case. The defence also submitted a plea seeking bail for the former police official, citing health-related concerns.
However, after hearing arguments from both sides, the tribunal rejected the bail petition.
According to the defence, Abdul Jalil Mondal held the position of additional commissioner of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police at the time of the 2013 incident but was not directly involved in the events that led to the case.
The lawyer further stated that Abdul Jalil had also served in a senior role as additional director general of the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), highlighting his long career in law enforcement.
The case relates to allegations of killings during a rally organised by Hefazat-e-Islam at Shapla Chattar in Dhaka’s Motijheel in May 2013, an event that has remained a subject of legal and political attention for years.
Legal experts say that if the tribunal accepts his request to become a state witness, Abdul Jalil Mondal’s testimony could play a significant role in the proceedings. However, no decision has yet been made regarding his application for witness status.
The trial continues as the tribunal examines evidence and hears testimonies related to the case.
