Online Desk
The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) has published its full written order granting a conditional pardon to former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Chowdhury Abdullah Al Mamun, on the basis that he reveal the “whole truth” about his and the principal accused’s involvement in killings during the July uprising.
The three-member tribunal, led by Justice Golam Mortuza Majumdar, issued the two-page written order last Thursday, which was shared with the media on Saturday.
According to the order, on July 10, the tribunal formally framed charges against three individuals—ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, and former IGP Chowdhury Abdullah Al Mamun—under multiple sections of the International Crimes (Tribunals) Act, 1973, including sections 3(2)(a), 3(2)(g), 3(2)(h), 4(1), 4(2), and 4(3).
Mamun was present in court when the charges were read out. The other two accused, Sheikh Hasina and Kamal, have been declared fugitives. When asked by the tribunal whether he pleaded guilty, Mamun admitted his involvement and expressed willingness to truthfully and fully disclose everything he knew about the crimes and those involved.
On behalf of Mamun, his lawyer Zayed Bin Amjad filed an application seeking a pardon. The chief prosecutor consented to the conditional pardon, stating it depended on Mamun providing “complete and truthful information” that would assist the trial of the offenses.
Considering these circumstances, the tribunal ruled that it was appropriate to pardon Mamun on the condition that he fully disclose all facts relating to the crimes and the persons involved.
The order stated: “The accused has accepted this condition, and accordingly, the tribunal grants him a conditional pardon and will summon him later to testify as a prosecution witness.”
The order also directed prison authorities to keep Mamun separate from other inmates for his safety and instructed the registrar to send a copy of the order to the relevant prison officials to ensure compliance.
This follows the tribunal’s order on July 10 formally indicting Sheikh Hasina, Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, and Chowdhury Abdullah Al Mamun on five charges, including murder and crimes against humanity committed during the July uprising. During the hearing, Mamun confessed his guilt and sought to turn state witness.
In court, Mamun admitted: “The allegations of murder and genocide brought against us during the July-August movement are true. I plead guilty and wish to become a state witness to reveal the details of these crimes to assist the court in uncovering the full truth.”