Ex-minister Latif to surrender in crimes against humanity case
Photo: Agamir Somoy
Former minister Abdul Latif Siddique announced he will surrender in a crimes against humanity case filed over the killings during the Hefazat-e-Islam rally at Shapla Chattar in Motijheel, Dhaka.
He made these after appearing before the court of Dhaka Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Jewel Rana on Wednesday. Latif said if he is not arrested, he will surrender next Sunday or Monday to seek bail.
Latif added, “I was informed on morning that a case has been filed in the International Crimes Tribunal. It is the case regarding the Hefazat-e-Islam rally at Shapla Chattar. An arrest warrant has been issued against me in that case.
“I know that if I did not come (to court) today, it would be assumed that I have perhaps gone into hiding. I do not go into hiding. I always want to appear in public. That is why I have come today.”
According to court sources, the date was set for the submission of the investigation report in a case filed under the Anti-Terrorism Act at Shahbagh Police Station. Latif and other accused appeared in court, but the report was not submitted.
The court then set 7 September as the next date for the submission of the report.
Earlier, on 28 August 2025, Latif and 15 others were detained from an event held by Moncho-71 at the Dhaka Reporters Unity.
On 6 November 2025, the High Court granted Latif bail, and he was released from prison.
