MH Patwari Babu, who allegedly posted on Facebook that Tk12,000 crore had been transacted in connection with a case involving former prime minister Sheikh Hasina over the July–August crimes against humanity incidents, has surrendered before the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT).
He appeared before the tribunal on Sunday. The prosecution said a hearing on the matter will be held later.
Earlier, the ICT issued an arrest warrant against MH Patwari Babu after taking cognisance of a contempt of court allegation related to his Facebook post.
The tribunal also directed authorities to take necessary action against those who liked, commented on and shared the post.
The order was issued on April 7 by a judicial panel of ICT-1 led by Justice Golam Mortuza Majumdar.
In the Facebook post, Patwari allegedly made claims involving several high-profile individuals, including former Law Adviser Asif Nazrul, former Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Tajul Islam, senior Supreme Court lawyer Shishir Manir, and Justice Golam Mortuza Majumdar. He also reportedly included their photographs in the post.
He further alleged that approximately Tk 1,200 crore was received from various countries and groups in connection with a politically motivated case against Sheikh Hasina. He also claimed that CCTV footage was removed and computer hard drives were replaced, and suggested that some officials might attempt to flee the country.
The post reportedly gained significant traction, receiving around 6,700 likes, 1,300 comments, and 1,900 shares.
Following the tribunal’s order, a police team led by Special Investigation Officer and Prosecutor Tanvir Hossain Joha conducted a raid in the Uttara area of the capital on Tuesday night. However, the accused could not be located, the prosecutor said.
