ICT seeks list of on-duty magistrates in Khulna during July-Aug uprising

KHULNA, Jan 02 (UNB): The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) has sought a list of magistrates who were in charge in Khulna during the student-led mass uprising in July-August. Following the imposition of curfew on July 20, magistrates worked alongside Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and the army. The tribunal has urged authorities to submit detailed reports on the actions and directives issued by these magistrates. Last week, the tribunal sent an official letter to the Khulna deputy commissioner seeking the list. According to sources at the DC office, a report will soon be sent to the tribunal after reviewing the request. Khulna District Magistrate Mohammad Saiful Islam confirmed receiving an official letter from the ICT. He said the matter is currently under process to reach a final decision. The anti-quota protests began on June 5 and later escalated into a mass uprising. Initially, the deputy commissioner did not give much attention to the movement. However, after a High Court ruling, students took to the streets, and police intervention began. The tribunal's letter specifically highlighted events following the curfew imposed on July 19, including police activities, alleged abuse, threats from political groups like Jubo League and the now-banned Chhatra League, and clashes between protesters and law enforcement. It has called for detailed accounts of the deputy commissioner's role during this period. During the protests, Khondkar Yasir Arefin served as the Deputy Commissioner and District Magistrate of Khulna. On the first day of the curfew, he issued seven directives, including safeguarding public lives and property, protecting government assets, and maintaining peace and order by deploying magistrates in nine sub-districts.