Retired Major General Ziaul Ahsan faces war crimes charges; witness details alleged extrajudicial killing
A witness has provided testimony in a war crimes case against retired Major General Ziaul Ahsan, who allegedly led operations resulting in the disappearance and murder of over a hundred individuals during the Awami League government's tenure. Brigadier General (Retd.) Md. Monirul Hoque testified before International Crimes Tribunal-1 on Thursday, detailing an operation in the Sundarbans. Hoque, who served as RAB-8 Barisal commander from October 2008 to March 2012, described how a person, with eyes and hands bound, was brought to the edge of a boat, shot after being tied with a heavy sack, and then stabbed before being thrown into the river. At the time, Ziaul Ahsan was the director of RAB's intelligence branch. Hoque recounted discussions during captain conferences where the risk of apprehended criminals escaping legal loopholes and re-engaging in crime was raised. The then-Director General of RAB, Mokhlesur Rahman, reportedly suggested taking appropriate measures against apprehended criminals, using the term 'Wajib-ul-Qatl' (obligatory to kill). Hoque stated that battalions lacked intelligence equipment to track criminals, and the intelligence wing would often conduct operations directly with necessary information to avoid delays and maintain secrecy. He recalled at least three such operations in the Barisal region, with Ziaul Ahsan and his intelligence wing officers providing administrative support from the RAB headquarters. Three to four individuals with bound eyes and hands were reportedly brought in microbuses for an operation in the Sundarbans in mid-May 2010. Hoque was instructed to provide logistical support, including preparing boats and ensuring safe passage through ferry terminals. During this operation, he witnessed a person being shot after a heavy sack was tied to their body, and subsequently stabbed and thrown into the water. A few days later, a body identified as former BDR member Nazrul was found floating in the river in the Sharakhola area, which Hoque believes was related to this operation.
This testimony brings to light serious allegations of extrajudicial killings and potential war crimes, focusing on the actions of state security forces during a specific political period. The narrative presented by the witness, Brigadier General (Retd.) Md. Monirul Hoque, describes a pattern of alleged abuses, including the use of lethal force against individuals in custody and their subsequent disposal in waterways. The reference to 'Wajib-ul-Qatl' suggests a potential institutional endorsement of such practices, raising questions about accountability and the rule of law within the security apparatus. Examining the operational procedures described, particularly the direct involvement of intelligence leadership in field operations and the alleged disregard for established legal processes, highlights systemic vulnerabilities. The decade ahead will likely see increased scrutiny of past human rights abuses and a demand for greater transparency in state security operations. Understanding the incentive structures that may have led to such alleged actions is crucial for preventing future occurrences and fostering a more rights-respecting security environment.
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