The mass killings during the July Uprising last year were conducted under the orders of then Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun told the International Crimes Tribunal.
IGP Mamun, who turned state witness, said Hasina herself had authorised the use of lethal force while testifying on Tuesday.
"As the police chief, I am ashamed, remorseful, and apologetic for carrying out the government's orders to use excessive force on the protesters in order to suppress the anti-discrimination movement, which left scores injured or dead," Mamun said.
"Out of guilt and the call of conscience for the brutal killings that took place in July, I decided to become a state witness. After being arrested, I heard the cries and wails of the bereaved families in the tribunal. I also saw the brutality in videos, which made my decision to become a state witness feel justified."
He said that he himself was directly and indirectly involved in the government's planning, procedures, and activities in suppressing the movement.
While testifying, Mamun became emotional and sought forgiveness from the families of those injured and killed in July. He also apologised to the people of the country and the court.
Defence lawyer Amir Hossain cross-examined him.
Later, the court adjourned proceedings.
Mamun further said that under the leadership of former DMP Commissioner Habibur Rahman and former Special Branch Chief Monirul Islam, two groups had formed within the police. One was led by Habib, and the other by Monir.
Mamun added that members of those two police groups used to hold meetings almost every night at the residence of the then Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal.
"Those secret meetings would continue late into the night. The officials who took part in the meetings included former DMP Commissioner Habibur Rahman, DB Chief Harun-or-Rashid, SB's Monirul Islam, Dhaka DIG Nurul Islam, Additional DIG Biplob Kumar, ASP Kafi, OC Majhar, Forqan Apurbo, and many others. Among them, some had direct contact with former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina."
In addition, he said during the July uprising, the responsibility for arresting the coordinators of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement was given to the then Chief of the Detective Branch (DB) of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP), Mohammad Harun-or-Rashid.
Chief Prosecutor Tajul Islam was among those present.
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