An indictment has been filed at the International Crimes Tribunal in the killing case of Teknaf councillor Ekrmul Haque. The development, alongside reports that former RAB-7 commander Brigadier General Miftah Uddin Ahmed has been taken into army custody, has renewed discussion of alleged crossfire incidents during his tenure. At least 14 people were killed in RAB-7 operations in Chattogram, Cox’s Bazar and Feni between 2016 and 2018.

RAB said Ekrmul was shot during an anti-drug operation at Mithapani on Teknaf’s Marine Drive on May 26, 2018, and described him as a listed drug trader. His family said he was deliberately killed, not killed in a gunfight. A preserved audio recording of his final conversation with family members, followed by gunshots, caused nationwide concern after it was made public. The National Human Rights Commission called for an investigation.

Ekrmul’s wife Ayesha Begum said the family had sought an impartial investigation and justice for eight years. Chattogram Sujan secretary Akhtar Kabir Chowdhury said each alleged crossfire case from the period should face separate, impartial and independent investigation. The mother of 17-year-old Jahid Hasan, missing since 2018, alleged he was forcibly disappeared; the relevant force has not accepted responsibility.