Highlights:

• ISPR confirms Miftah Uddin taken into military custody
• Custody follows ICT arrest warrant in Ekram killing case
• Investigation names Sheikh Hasina and 10 others as accused
• Legal action to proceed under existing laws, says ISPR
• Miftah previously served as commander of RAB-7

Lieutenant Colonel Miftah Uddin Ahmed, the then commander of Rapid Action Battalion (RAB)-7, has been taken into military custody over alleged involvement in the 2018 killing of former Teknaf municipal councillor Ekramul Haque.

ISPR Director Lieutenant Colonel Sami Ud Doula Chowdhury confirmed the development stating that Miftah Uddin was taken into military custody and would face legal proceedings in accordance with the law.

He was taken into custody under the supervision of the Quartermaster General (QMG) at Dhaka Cantonment at around 10:30pm yesterday (27 July).

Earlier on 26 July, investigators submitted their report to the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) in the Ekram killing case, naming ousted former prime minister Sheikh Hasina and 10 others as accused.

Those named in the investigation report are former home minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, former road transport minister Obaidul Quader, former MP Badiur Rahman Badi, former RAB director general Benazir Ahmed, retired Colonel Anwar Latif Khan Tushar, Brigadier General Mahbub Alam Minu, Brigadier General Miftah Uddin Ahmed, retired Major Ruhul Amin alias Rajan, Squadron Leader Nazmus Mahmud alias Raju and Lieutenant Commander Ashikur Rahman alias Soikat.

Among them, Badiur Rahman Badi, Anwar Latif Khan Tushar and Mahbub Alam are already in custody in connection with other cases.

Following the hearing, the tribunal issued arrest warrants against eight accused who remain at large and ordered authorities to produce the three detained accused before the court.

At a press briefing, ICT Chief Prosecutor Aminul Islam said the investigation had found evidence linking the accused to the killing of Ekramul Haque.

Miftah Uddin Ahmed was serving as station commander at Barishal Cantonment before being taken into military custody.

In 2021, the US Department of State included Miftah Uddin Ahmed among individuals placed under sanctions.