Bangladesh ex-IGP apologises for role in July uprising killings

DHAKA: In an emotional testimony before Bangladesh International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) on Tuesday, former IGPChowdhury Abdullah Al Mamun, charged with ' crimes against humanity ', blamed co-accused former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for the "massacre" during last year's July mass uprising that led to her govt's fall.

Mamun, appearing as a state witness, issued a formal apology to the nation as well as victims and their families for the killings. "The killings were carried out under direct orders from former PM Sheikh Hasina and former home minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal. Please forgive me," Mamun said addressing the tribunal. Hasina is being tried in absentia as she fled Bangladesh in Aug last year.

Mamun 'expressed hope' that by revealing the full truth, he might find some personal redemption.