Dhaka: Detectives arrested three war crimes suspects at their houses in Maheshkhali in Cox’s Bazar on Thursday as the International Crimes Tribunal‑2 issued warrants for the arrest of 16 war crimes suspects of the district.

They arrested are Nurul Islam of Dakkhin Nolbila village, Jinnat Ali of Maheshkhali municipal area and Oslam Goni, said Maheshkhali police officer-in-charge Alamgir Hossain.

Earlier in the day, the tribunal issued the arrest warrant against the 16 war crimes suspects of Cox’s Bazar for their alleged involvement in crimes against humanity during Liberation War.

The three-member International Crimes Tribunal‑2 passed the order following a petition filed by the prosecution. 

The tribunal ordered the Inspector General of Police to submit a progress report over investigation against them by 25 July.

Prosecutor Tapash said involvement of 70 people of the district in the crimes against humanity during the Liberation War was found. Of them, 31 died.

The arrestees were the associates of then Shanti Committee chairman Zakaria and general secretary Rashid Miah.

Earlier, Cox’s Bazar district BNP founder president Salamatullah Khan and Gokata union council former chairman Abdur Rashid Miah were arrested on Sunday for war crimes.