58 Victims Identified in Shapla Chattar Case Probe

Chief Prosecutor Aminul Islam on Tuesday said investigators have identified 58 people killed during the 2013 Hefazat-e-Islam protests at Shapla Chattar in Dhaka.

He told reporters at the International Crimes Tribunal that the probe has also found alleged involvement of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina and other senior officials.

Around 90 percent of the investigation has been completed, and a final report is expected to be submitted to the tribunal by June 7, he said.

Aminul Islam added that Sheikh Hasina is likely to be the main accused in the case, with more than 30 individuals expected to be named in the charge.

The incident dates back to May 5, 2013, when Hefazat-e-Islam enforced a “Dhaka blockade” programme, drawing thousands of supporters to the Shapla Chattar area in Motijheel.

A late-night joint operation by law enforcement agencies dispersed the gathering, with reports of gunfire, tear gas and sound grenades. The number of casualties has remained disputed over the years.

Different organisations have published varying estimates. Hefazat-e-Islam released a list of 93 victims in 2025, while rights group Odhikar reported 61 names in 2021. A 2014 publication titled Shahidnama documented 41 deaths.

More than a decade after the incident, the trial is yet to be completed. The issue has gained renewed attention following recent political developments.

After the July uprising and the formation of an interim government, Hefazat-e-Islam leader Azizul Haque Islamabadi filed a complaint with the tribunal, naming Sheikh Hasina and several former ministers, security officials and police chiefs as accused.