The investigation agency of International Crimes Tribunal has completed its probe into the 2013 crackdown on Hefazat-e-Islam supporters at Shapla Chattar in Dhaka, naming former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina as the person who directly ordered the deadly operation.

Alongside the ousted former prime minister, at least 30 individuals have been named as accused in the case.

According to the investigation report, obtained by “Channel 24”, the order for the massacre came directly from Ganabhaban, the official residence of the prime minister, making Hasina the principal accused.

Other senior figures named include former Home Minister Mohiuddin Khan Alamgir, former State Minister Shamsul Haque Tuku, and former Awami League General Secretary Syed Ashraf.

The list of accused also includes former Information Minister Hasanul Haque Inu, Mofazzal Hossain Chowdhury Maya, Jubo League President Omar Faruk, Gonojagoron Moncho activist Imran H Sarkar, Shahriar Kabir, former IGP Hasan Mahmud Khondaker, former police official Shahidul Haq, former DMP Commissioner Benazir Ahmed, former RAB Director General Mokhles, and retired Major General Ziaul Ahsan, along with several other police officers.

After 10 pm, Hasina reportedly gave the initial order to launch an operation at Shapla Chattar. Acting on that directive, law enforcement agencies cut electricity at 1:45 am and launched a coordinated crackdown, leaving one exit open.

The investigation agency was unable to determine the exact death toll from the operation. The report was prepared based on findings by human rights organization Odhikar, covering deaths recorded in Dhaka and Narayanganj only.

Hefazat-e-Islam had called the rally on May 5, 2013, at Motijheel’s Shapla Chattar to press a 13-point demand, including the repeal of laws deemed contrary to the Quran and Sunnah and the enactment of maximum punishment for blasphemy. While the gathering was officially permitted, activists of the now-banned Awami League, Jubo League, and Chhatra League blocked Hefazat supporters at multiple entry points across the capital, leading to daylong clashes. The nighttime crackdown followed, though the then Awami League government consistently denied any killings.

Hefazat-e-Islam filed for a tribunal investigation after the fall of the Awami League government on August 5 last year. The investigation was completed before the recent national elections.

Four accused have been arrested so far, including former IGP AKM Shahidul Haq, former State Minister Shamsul Haque Tuku, retired Major General Ziaul Ahsan, and former Deputy Inspector General of Police Molla Nazrul Islam.