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Prosecutors have filed a new crimes against humanity case before the International Crimes Tribunal-2 (ICT-2) against several journalists. The charges stem from allegations that they incited atrocities during the July uprising in 2024. The tribunal has ordered jail authorities to produce three journalists, Shyamal Dutta, Mozammel Babu, and Farzana Rupa, before it on August 24, as they are currently in custody for other cases.

Shyamal Dutta is the editor of Bhorer Kagoj and a former general secretary of the Jatiya Press Club. Mozammel Babu served as the managing director and editor-in-chief of Ekattor TV, while Farzana Rupa was its principal correspondent. The prosecution alleges that during a press conference at Gonobhaban on July 14, 2024, these accused made remarks that prompted then prime minister Sheikh Hasina to label protesters as "Razakars" and "children of Razakars." This characterization, according to the prosecution, led to student protests that escalated into violence.

The prosecution further contends that the journalists helped foster a "counter-narrative" against the student movement between July 14 and August 5, 2024. They allege that a previously peaceful quota reform movement turned violent following attacks on students by activists from Chhatra League and Jubo League. Additionally, the prosecution claims that Shyamal Dutta delivered an "instigative" speech against protesters at a July 24 meeting organized by the Editors’ Guild at the Prime Minister’s Office.

This case adds a new dimension to the legal proceedings following the July uprising, focusing on the alleged role of media figures in shaping public discourse and potentially inciting violence. The involvement of journalists in crimes against humanity charges highlights the complex and sensitive nature of accountability in the aftermath of significant civil unrest.