Shapla Chattar case: Former DIG denied bail, seeks to become state witness

Former deputy inspector general (DIG) Abdul Jalil Mondal has expressed willingness to become a state witness in a crimes against humanity case over alleged killings during the Hefazat-e-Islam rally at Shapla Chattar in 2013.

His lawyer Ali Haider made the statement during a bail hearing before the International Crimes Tribunal-1 today (6 May), seeking bail on the grounds of illness and requesting that he be allowed to receive treatment at home. The hearing was conducted by a tribunal led by Justice Md Golam Mortuza Majumder.

Ali Haider told the tribunal that Mondal is 60 years old and has long been suffering from heart complications. He said Mondal was serving as additional commissioner of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) at the time of the incident but had no involvement in it. He added that medical reports show Mondal has seven heart blockages and requires advanced treatment.

The defence requested bail so he could remain at home and recieve medical care. The lawyer also said his passport could be seized if required. He further said Mondal is willing to fully cooperate with the tribunal and is ready to become a state witness if needed.

The tribunal noted that the health report does not indicate his condition as critical.

After hearing both sides, the tribunal rejected the bail application.

Speaking to journalists afterwards, Ali Haider said the case is still under investigation and that Mondal has been named as an accused alongside former prime minister Sheikh Hasina. He added that Mondal has been under treatment for heart disease since 2020 and is regularly monitored by specialists, but prison medical care is not sufficient.

He also said Mondal has not fled the country and was arrested from his residence in Sabujbagh by Dhaka Metropolitan Detective Police on 30 March.

On 31 March, the tribunal ordered Mondal to be sent to jail after showing him arrested in the case.

During the 2013 Shapla Chattar operation, Mondal was serving as additional commissioner of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP). He also previously served as additional director general of the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB).