Former director-general of the National Telecommunications Monitoring Centre (NTMC), Major General (retd) Ziaul Ahsan, came under intense scrutiny at the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) as Chief Prosecutor Tajul Islam accused him of orchestrating enforced disappearances, torture, and extrajudicial killings during the Awami League's tenure. 

Comparing Ziaul’s alleged actions to those of Radovan Karadžić, the notorious “butcher” of Bosnia, Tajul delivered a scathing indictment.

The prosecutor alleged Ziaul had systematically targeted opposition figures, including the high-profile case of BNP leader Ilias Ali, who remains missing. “Under Ziaul’s leadership, abductions and murders were carried out with precision,” Tajul stated.

The hearing took a dramatic turn as Ziaul, visibly agitated, denied the accusations from the dock. “I have never worked in the Aynaghar. I was in a technical role,” he declared, referring to the controversial secret detention facilities. 

His outburst drew rebukes from court officials as he challenged a police officer and warned them not to approach him. “No one will touch me. Don’t come near me,” he warned, escalating tensions in the courtroom.

Ziaul also demanded access to paper and pen in custody, claiming he needed to document his defense. His lawyer, Nazneen Nahar, assured him that arrangements would be made.

Ziaul and seven co-defendants, including former police chief Chowdhury Abdullah Al Mamun, are charged with crimes against humanity related to the July-August killings. Unlike Ziaul, the other defendants remained silent during the proceedings.

The ICT continues its investigation into the allegations, which have sparked widespread public and political debate, as the case unfolds with high-profile implications for justice and accountability in Bangladesh.

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