SAD files ICT complaint against business leaders over role in July Uprising killings

Students Against Discrimination (SAD) today filed a complaint with the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) against 25 prominent business figures and 200 unnamed businessmen for allegedly facilitating mass killings during the July 2024 uprising.

A group of SAD leaders submitted the complaint to the office of the ICT chief prosecutor today, seeking an investigation into the allegations and legal action against them.

After lodging the complaint, SAD President Rifat Rashid told journalists at the ICT premises that Salman F Rahman, former adviser to deposed prime minister Sheikh Hasina, is among the businessmen named.

However, he did not disclose the identities of other businessmen named in the complaint.

According to the complaint, the businessmen attended a meeting with Sheikh Hasina on July 22, 2024, during an ongoing internet shutdown, under the leadership of Salman F Rahman.

At the meeting, they allegedly assured the then government of their support and pledged assistance in suppressing the movement.

Prosecutor Gazi Monawar Hossain Tamim confirmed receipt of the complaint.

“The complaint names 25 individuals and around 200 unidentified persons. It includes photographs of the July 22 meeting, video statements made during the meeting, and reports published in several newspapers,” he said.

He added that the documents would be reviewed and forwarded to the investigation agency soon for necessary action.