International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Aminul Islam on Sunday said planned and targeted killings were carried out during Hefazat-e-Islam's grand rally at Shapla Chattar in the capital's Motijheel on May 5, 2013.

"The incident was a systematic crime. It was a widespread and targeted massacre. There is superior responsibility. The incident was carried out in an entirely planned manner. When Hefazat-e-Islam leaders and activists were protesting against bloggers, various plans were made at the highest level of the state to completely eliminate the organisation. It was as part of that process that such a massacre was carried out," he said while responding to a question from journalists at a press conference held at his office.

The Chief Prosecutor said the ICT's investigation agency had been investigating the gruesome killings for a long time and had submitted a draft report to the Office of the Chief Prosecutor after completing its investigation.

"The report will now be reviewed and undergo final scrutiny to ensure a transparent trial based on a proper investigation report. The real accused should face justice. With that objective, we reviewed the draft report today with the top leaders of Hefazat-e-Islam. We hope to receive the full report soon," he said.

Asked who is on the list of accused, Aminul Islam said, "This is a draft report. We cannot disclose the list of accused until we receive the final report.

“However, deposed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is the prime accused in this case. We have received a preliminary report against her. Draft findings have also been submitted against the former police chief, the former BGB chief and several others. We will review and verify those."

He added, "Since this is a draft report, the names of the accused may be added or removed after the verification process. The leaders of Hefazat-e-Islam are living or direct witnesses to the incident. They are more familiar with the matter. If they have any further observations regarding our investigation, they will certainly share them. However, who will be accused and who will not be will only be known after the formal charges are filed."

Regarding the list of those killed, the Chief Prosecutor said, "So far, we have received a list of around 61 people who were killed. Of them, 58 have already been identified. The identities of the remaining victims have not yet been confirmed. However, our list contains 61 names."

Senior Nayeb-e-Ameer of Hefazat-e-Islam Abdul Hamid, Maulana Mamunul Haque, Mufti Harun Izhar, Mufti Mir Idris and many other leaders of the organisation were present at the press briefing.