Lieutenant Colonel Hasinur Rahman Bir Pratik gave testimony before the International Crimes Tribunal-1 in Dhaka, describing his abduction and detention in connection with a case over enforced disappearances at the army’s Joint Interrogation Centre (JIC). The partial testimony was recorded on Sunday under the leadership of Justice Md Golam Mortuza Mojumdar. The case accuses former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and 12 former and current army officers of crimes against humanity related to abductions and torture during the Awami League government.

Hasinur Rahman recounted that on August 8, 2018, he was taken by several men after being lured out by a friend, Lieutenant Colonel Zaid Abdullah. He said he was blindfolded, handcuffed, and beaten before being held for one year, six months, and fourteen days until his release on February 22, 2020. During detention, he was interrogated about his writings critical of former Army Chief General Aziz Ahmed, the 2014 election, the Awami League, and India.

He alleged that Zaid Abdullah, Brigadier General Azhar, and officers from the DGFI and RAB were involved in his abduction.