Bangladesh army takes brigadier general into custody over Ekramul Haque killing

Bangladesh’s army has taken brigadier general Miftah Uddin Ahmed into custody after an International Crimes Tribunal complaint accused him and 10 others in the 2018 killing of Teknaf municipal councilor Ekramul Haque.

The Inter-Services Public Relations confirmed Ahmed was taken into custody while serving as station commander of Barisal Cantonment. “Subsequent steps will be taken according to the law,” it said.

The tribunal has issued arrest warrants for eight accused who remain fugitives. The complaint also names ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina, former home minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, former road transport and bridges minister Obaidul Quader and former police chief Benazir Ahmed.

Haque was killed in an alleged gunfight during an anti-drug operation in Cox’s Bazar. His family later released audio of his final phone conversation that included gunshots and screams. A child could be heard saying, “Father, you are crying.”

The recording sparked nationwide outrage and raised questions about law enforcement’s role.

The United States imposed sanctions in December 2021 on seven current and former Rapid Action Battalion officials over serious human rights violations. Ahmed and Benazir Ahmed were included.