Prosecution files petition to begin trial against ex-BGB officer Redwan, 3 others over Rampura killings
The tribunal concluded the prosecution’s hearing on the charge sheet and fixed 14 December for recording statements of the accused
The prosecution has filed a petition to begin trial against former Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) officer Lieutenant Colonel Mohammad Redwanul Islam and three others in a crimes against humanity case filed over killings in the capital's Rampura during last year's July Uprising.
Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Tajul Islam filed the petition with the International Crimes Tribunal-1 today (4 December).
The three-member tribunal led by Justice Md Golam Mortuza Majumdar concluded the prosecution's hearing on the charge sheet and fixed 14 December for recording statements of the accused.
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The tribunal also rejected a petition filed by Lt Col Redwanul Islam and former BGB officer Major Md Rafat-bin-Alam seeking permission to appear virtually from Dhaka Cantonment sub-jail rather than in person.
Among the accused, Redwanul and Rafat have already been arrested and were produced before the court. The other two – former additional deputy commissioner of police Md Rashedul Islam and former OC Md Mashiur Rahman – remain absconding.
State-appointed lawyer Md Amir Hossain represented the fugitives during the hearing.
A total of six charges, including murder, have been brought against the accused.
On 24 November, the tribunal appointed state defence lawyers for the two absconding former police officials. That day, defence counsel Masud Salahuddin, representing Redwan and Rafat, pleaded for virtual appearance for his clients, which the tribunal later rejected.
Earlier on 22 October, the tribunal showed Redwan and Rafat arrested after they were produced from army custody. The tribunal also ordered the publication of notices asking the fugitives to surrender.
On 8 October, formal charges were filed against former Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) officer Lt Col Redwanul Islam and the three others. According to the case documents, widespread killings took place across the country during the July Uprising, with 28 people being shot dead in Rampura alone and many others injured.
Eyewitness accounts and video footage reportedly showed Lt Col Redwanul Islam firing directly at protesters in Rampura. The other accused were allegedly in commanding roles during the massacre.
Following a detailed investigation by the probe agency, a formal charge sheet was submitted to the tribunal against the four accused.
