United People鈥檚 Democratic Front leader Michael Chakma on Wednesday lodged a verbal complaint with the International Crimes Tribunal, accusing deposed former prime minister Sheikh Hasina of involvement in his enforced disappearance.
Michael, who vanished in April 2019, reappeared on August 7, 2024, two days after the fall of Hasina government following a student-led mass uprising.
He claims to have endured five years鈥� detention at Aynaghor, a clandestine detention centre.
Michael submitted his account of captivity to ICT chief prosecutor Mohammad Tajul Islam, who confirmed that the complaint was accepted.
The prosecutor added that investigations would commence shortly and could expand if further suspects were identified.
Tajul Islam stated that many of those named in the complaint were already facing legal proceedings.
鈥楩urther investigations will be initiated if new suspects are identified. Enforced disappearance cases are being investigated under a broader framework, with separate inquiries conducted when necessary,鈥� Tajul said.
Addressing journalists, Michael shared details of his abduction and alleged torture.
鈥楽even or eight plainclothes men abducted me from Kalyanpur in Dhaka city. They blindfolded me and forced me into a microbus,鈥� he said.
He recounted being held in solitary confinement, moved between three rooms, and subjected to torture during interrogations.
Michael alleged that he was questioned about a 2013 incident in Khagrachhari when UPDF supporters blocked roads during a rally attended by then prime minister Sheikh Hasina.
鈥楽heikh Hasina had threatened to take action against those who disrupted the rally. I believe I became a target of vengeance and hold her responsible for my enforced disappearance,鈥� he said.
Michael added that he planned to file formal complaints against those who assisted in his abduction, with details included in his written complaint.
Michael stated that Tajul informed him that the tribunal was authorised to accept verbal complaints or media reports regarding allegations of crimes against humanity, including enforced disappearance.
Michael is a vocal advocate for the democratic rights of national minority communities, including those in the Chittagong Hill Tracts.
His case has reignited focus on allegations of enforced disappearances and human rights violations under the Hasina administration.
Accompanying Michael to the tribunal were photographer and activist Shahidul Alam and professor Rehnuma Ahmed.
ICT prosecutor Abdullah Al Noman was also present during Michael鈥檚 media briefing.
