State witness Mamun may be pardoned if he reveals truth

The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) has said it may consider granting conditional pardon to former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Chowdhury Abdullah Al Mamun, who has become a state witness in a high-profile case involving crimes against humanity during the July–August 2024 mass uprising.

In a written order issued Saturday (12 July), the tribunal said that Mamun must fully cooperate with the court by revealing the truth about his role and the roles of other accused, including former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal—both of whom have been named in the same case and are currently absconding.

The court ordered that Mamun be kept in a separate prison cell with adequate security and noted that he will be summoned to testify at a later stage of the proceedings.

Formal charges have now been framed against Sheikh Hasina, Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, and Chowdhury Abdullah Al Mamun for alleged crimes against humanity, including murder and genocide, committed during the July 10 uprising. A total of five charges were brought against the three.

When asked in court whether he admitted to the charges, Mamun pleaded guilty and submitted a petition to testify as a state witness. The tribunal accepted his application and proceeded to frame charges.

"The charges of murder and genocide against us during the July–August movement are true. I plead guilty and wish to testify in court as a public witness to help reveal the full extent of the crimes committed," Mamun told the tribunal.

The July–August 2024 mass uprising witnessed large-scale anti-government protests that ended in a violent crackdown, with numerous deaths and allegations of crimes against civilians. The ICT is currently investigating several high-ranking officials for their alleged involvement.