Former minister and former Awami League presidium member Abdul Latif Siddiqui has been arrested in a case over killings and crimes against humanity linked to a Hefazat-e-Islam gathering at Shapla Chattar in Motijheel on May 5, 2013. A Detective Branch police team arrested him from the Gulshan area of the capital on Wednesday, July 29. DMP media division Additional Deputy Commissioner Niaz Mehdi confirmed the arrest.

An arrest warrant had been issued against Siddiqui by the International Crimes Tribunal. The case alleges that a crackdown during the Hefazat-e-Islam gathering at Shapla Chattar resulted in widespread deaths, enforced disappearances, torture and crimes against humanity. Former prime minister Sheikh Hasina and 40 others have also been named as accused in the case.

The tribunal has taken cognizance of the allegations and directed necessary legal action against the accused. According to lawyers and court-related sources, Siddiqui will be placed under subsequent legal procedures in line with the tribunal’s order. The investigating agency may seek permission to question him if necessary.