Former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Chowdhury Abdullah Al Mamun began testifying on Tuesday as a prosecution witness before the International Crimes Tribunal, pledging to reveal the full truth in an ongoing crimes against humanity case.
At the outset of his testimony, Mamun made a striking disclosure, alleging that on the eve of the 2018 national election, then-IGP Javed Patwari advised Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to pre-fill 50 percent of the ballot boxes.
According to Mamun, this plan effectively predetermined the outcome of the election.
He further claimed that political interference within the police force intensified after the election, with some officers maintaining direct communication with the prime minister and disregarding the chain of command.
Mamun’s testimony also shed light on the backdrop of the recent mass movement that began in July.
He stated that from July 19 onward, nightly meetings of the core committee were held at the former home minister’s residence. These meetings, he alleged, focused on strategies to suppress the movement.
In one such meeting, based on a proposal from the Directorate General of Forces Intelligence (DGFI), a decision was taken to arrest several coordinators of the movement. The task was reportedly assigned to Detective Branch chief Harun.
Mamun claimed that detainees were subjected to psychological pressure to force compromises with the government and were compelled to make televised statements.
He sought apology for excessive use of force by police during the uprising.
