In a dramatic twist in the trial over the July Uprising massacre, former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun admitted responsibility for crimes against humanity and expressed his willingness to turn approver in the case.
Standing before the International Crimes Tribunal-1 (ICT-1), Mamun made a stunning admission, stating: “I am involved in the July massacre. I voluntarily want to be the approver in the case. I was involved in the July-August massacre and take full responsibility.”
His statement came during formal proceedings where charges were officially framed against three key figures—ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, and Mamun himself—for their alleged roles in the state-led crackdown on civilians during last year’s unrest.
Crimes against humanity: Charges framed
The ICT-1 has charged the accused with five counts of crimes against humanity. These include widespread killings, systematic torture and coordinated attacks on civilians. The tribunal rejected discharge petitions filed by the defence, clearing the way for the trial to move forward.
The tribunal is headed by Justice Md. Golam Mortuza Majumder, alongside Justice Md. Shafiul Alam Mahmud and Judge Md. Mohitul Haque Enam Chowdhury. It has scheduled August 3 and 4 for hearing the prosecution’s opening statements.
While Mamun’s confession has been officially recorded, the court has stated that a decision regarding his formal recognition as an approver will be made later in the proceedings.
Implications of Mamun’s testimony
Mamun’s admission is widely regarded as a potential turning point in the landmark case. As the then-chief of police, his testimony could provide critical insight into the chain of command and operational directives during the July-August violence, which left scores dead and hundreds injured.
Legal experts believe that his willingness to cooperate could significantly bolster the prosecution’s case—especially against the former prime minister and home minister.
Coercion behind Mamun’s confession: Awami League
In a sharp rebuttal to the former police chief’s confession, the Awami League has alleged that Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun was coerced into turning approver under the threat of death in custody.
Speaking from an undisclosed location, a senior party leader—currently in hiding—claimed, “He was given two options: face death or turn approver against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. This was not a voluntary decision.”
The Awami League accused the interim regime of orchestrating a systematic purge inside jails across the country since assuming power.
“Since the takeover, 27 of our party leaders and workers have been murdered inside Bangladesh’s jails. Al-Mamun would have faced the same fate had he not accepted the regime’s offer,” the leader added.
These explosive claims raise new questions about the circumstances under which the former IGP confessed and could potentially complicate the ongoing trial. However, no official response has yet been issued by the tribunal or the prosecution regarding the allegations of coercion.
With proceedings now officially underway, the country is closely watching what could become one of the most consequential trials in recent political history. The ICT-1 aims to deliver justice for what many consider one of the darkest and most brutal chapters in the nation’s contemporary timeline.