Speaking to reporters on Wednesday (October 22) morning, Barrister Sarwar said the army officers voluntarily surrendered to the court out of respect for the law. The surrender came after the army issued an order placing the 15 officers, who were in custody, under judicial process.
He explained, “On October 8, the tribunal issued three orders in separate cases, including arrest warrants against former and serving army officers. Subsequently, the army authorities took them into custody at the army headquarters. Today, they have appeared in court voluntarily, showing respect for the legal process.”
The defense counsel further said that the court allowed the officers to sign power of attorney and that three petitions were filed — for bail, privilege communication, and a request to be kept in sub-jail.
Regarding the sub-jail decision, Barrister Sarwar stated, “The jail authorities will finalize the matter. A newspaper notice will be published for those still absconding. The next hearing date has been set for November 20. For now, the officers will remain in the sub-jail within the cantonment area.”
He clarified that this was not an arrest but a voluntary surrender, saying, “They appeared in court on their own. The police did not arrest anyone. For administrative and security reasons, they were transported together. This entire process reflects respect for the law.”
Earlier in the morning, the hearing of the three cases was conducted before Tribunal-1, chaired by Justice Md. Golam Mortuza Majumder, with Justice Md. Shafiul Alam Mahmud and Judge Md. Mohitul Haque Enam Chowdhury as members. Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Tajul Islam represented the prosecution.
Following the hearing, the tribunal ordered that the 15 officers who appeared before the court be sent to jail.
Among those sent to prison are: Brigadier General Md. Jahangir Alam, former Additional Director General of RAB, Brigadier General Tofail Mostafa Sarwar, Brigadier General Md. Kamrul Hasan, Brigadier General Md. Mahabub Alam, Brigadier K. M. Azad, Colonel Abdullah Al Momen, Colonel Anwar Latif Khan (on retirement leave).
Other officers include: Lieutenant Colonel Md. Mashiur Rahman, former Director of RAB’s Intelligence Wing, Lieutenant Colonel Saiful Islam Sumon, Lieutenant Colonel Md. Sarwar Bin Kashem, Lieutenant Colonel Md. Redwanul Islam, Major Md. Rafat-bin-Alam, former BGB officer.
Additionally, the tribunal ordered the imprisonment of three former DGFI directors: Major General Sheikh Md. Sarwar Hossain, Brigadier General Md. Mahbubur Rahman Siddiqui, Brigadier General Ahmed Tanvir Mazahar Siddiqui.
