The International Crimes Tribunal has shown the arrest of Awami League leader Rifat Niloy Joarder, identified as the alleged “cashier” of former inspector general of police (IGP) Benazir Ahmed, in a case involving crimes against humanity linked to enforced disappearances at the Joint Interrogation Centre (JIC).
A single-member bench of International Crimes Tribunal-2, led by Justice Md Manjurul Bashid, passed the order on Sunday after hearing a prosecution plea.
Prosecutor Zahirul Amin represented the prosecution, assisted by prosecutors Faruk Ahmed, Dr Mohammad Oli Mia, Tarek Abdullah, Moinul Karim, Abdus Sattar Palawan and others.
Earlier, the prosecution prayed to show Rifat Niloy arrested in the ongoing disappearance case and sought time to submit the investigation report. After hearing, the tribunal ordered that he be shown arrested and sent to jail, fixing a date for submission of the probe report.
Rifat Niloy was produced before the tribunal from jail on Sunday morning. Prosecutors had earlier sought a production warrant against him on May 19.
The prosecution said Rifat Niloy, through direct instruction and complicity, was involved in the enforced disappearance of Md Mashiur Rahman, along with several others, who were allegedly detained at secret detention centres under the control of the Directorate General of Forces Intelligence (DGFI).
It further alleged that the victims were subjected to physical and mental torture during detention, and that preliminary findings indicate crimes against humanity were committed.
The prosecution also referred to allegations of systematic enforced disappearances and killings across the country, including Dhaka, allegedly carried out between 2009 and 2024 under directives involving then prime minister Sheikh Hasina and her security adviser Major General (retd) Tariq Ahmed Siddique, along with Awami League leaders.
Rifat Niloy, who serves as general secretary of Unit No. 3 of Ward No. 15 of the Awami League’s South Dhanmondi unit in Dhaka, is already in jail in another case filed with Dhanmondi Police Station.
According to sources, Rifat Niloy allegedly supervised several flats in Dhaka owned by former IGP Benazir Ahmed and collected monthly rent from them, which was later handed over to him. He is said to have been a close associate and trusted aide of the former police chief.