International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) Chief Prosecutor Md Aminul Islam on Tuesday claimed that information indicates at least 58 people were killed in connection with Hefazat-e-Islam rally at Shapla Chattar on the May 5, 2013.
He said the figure was confirmed based on post-mortem reports of some victims, identification of burial sites, and interviews with their family members.
Speaking to reporters, the chief prosecutor said the reported deaths occurred in Dhaka on May 5 in 2013.
"Killings took place in Dhaka both during the day and at night. Additional incidents were recorded in Narayanganj and Chattogram the next day," Aminul Islam said.
According to the findings, 32 of the victims were in Dhaka, 20 in Narayanganj, five in Chattogram, and one in Cumilla.
Responding to queries, the chief prosecutor said the number of accused in the case, including former prime minister Sheikh Hasina and top officials of law enforcement agencies, would not be less than 30, but their identities could not be disclosed at this stage.
He added that the investigation of the case is now at its final stage and the formal chargesheet is expected to submit before the ICT by June 7.
On March 12, the ICT issued arrest warrants for deposed prime minister Sheikh Hasina, former home minister Mohiuddin Khan Alamgir, former IGP Hasan Mahmud Khandaker, former DMP commissioner Benazir Ahmed, and Gonojagoron Mancha spokesperson Imran H Sarker over the killings during the protest.
The Hefazat-e-Islam rally, held on May 5 in 2013 brought thousands of activists to Shapla Chattar in Motijheel. The group had issued a 13-point demand that included action against bloggers accused of making derogatory remarks about Islam and opposition to the national women's policy.
