Argument in Hasina’s crimes against humanity case begins tomorrow
In addition to this case, two more cases remain pending before the tribunal
Arguments in the case filed against ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina and two others on charges of crimes against humanity will begin at the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) tomorrow (12 October).
ICT sources said once arguments are completed, the case will be ready for judgment.
The three-member bench of ICT‑1, led by Justice Golam Mortuza Majumder, fixed the date for arguments on Wednesday after the deposition of the final prosecution witness and Investigation Officer Md Alamgir.
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Out of 54 prosecution witnesses, those who testified before the tribunal included members of martyred families, the father of martyred Abu Sayeed, National Citizen's Party convener Nahid Islam, and Amar Desh editor Dr Mahmudur Rahman.
Chief Prosecutor Tajul Islam, along with prosecutors Mizanul Islam and Gazi M H Tamim, represented the state. State‑appointed lawyer Advocate Amir Hossain defended fugitive accused Sheikh Hasina and former home minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal.
Advocate Zayed Bin Amjad appeared for another accused, former Inspector General of Police Chowdhury Abdullah Al Mamun, who gave a confessional statement and became a state approver.
On 10 July, ICT‑1 framed charges against the accused for alleged involvement in crimes against humanity during last year's July–August uprising.
In addition to this case, two more cases remain pending before the tribunal against Sheikh Hasina — one over killings and enforced disappearances during her 15‑and‑a‑half years in power, and another over a massacre at a Hefajat‑e‑Islam rally at Motijheel's Shapla Chattar.
Two separate tribunals are currently trying allegations of crimes against humanity against Sheikh Hasina, her government, senior party leaders and a section of government officials loyal to her, following the fall of her government on 5 August last year.
