Bangladesh Army has taken 15 of its officers in custody following a warrant issued by the International Crimes Tribunal against some serving and retired personnel.
Maj Gen Md Hakimuzzaman, adjutant general of Bangladesh Army, made the disclosure while addressing a press briefing at the Dhaka Cantonment today.
"Among those named in the tribunal case, nine are retired, one is on leave pending retirement (LPR), and 15 are still in service," the adjutant general said. "We issued attachment orders on October 8, directing the serving and LPR officers to report to army custody by the next day."
He said all but one of the officers complied. "One officer, Maj Gen Kabir Ahmed, left home on the morning of October 9, saying he was going to consult a lawyer, but has not returned since. His phone remains unreachable," he said.
The army has officially declared him "illegally absent" and initiated necessary administrative and legal procedures, Hakimuzzaman added.
"After learning of his disappearance, we contacted his family and alerted all relevant agencies — including DGFI, NSI, BGB, airport and seaport authorities — to ensure he does not leave the country illegally," he said, adding that personnel have also been sent to his home district Netrokona to trace him.
The adjutant general said the army followed the country's constitutional and legal process in taking the officers in custody.
"Bangladesh Army respects all laws recognised by the Constitution," he said. "In similar cases over the past 54 years, the army has brought accused personnel under custody before completing judicial proceedings, such as courts-martial or general courts-martial."
He emphasised that the measure is procedural and intended to ensure discipline and due process. "We are concerned for the missing officer's safety. If anyone has information, we urge them to share it," he added.
FP/MI
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