Anisul, Salman laugh as their call records played at ICT
In the audio clip, Salman F Rahman is allegedly heard discussing the killing of protesters with Anisul Haque as a means of suppressing the July movement
Former law minister Anisul Huq and ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina's private industry and investment adviser Salman F Rahman were seen laughing after listening to their alleged telephone conversations during a hearing at the International Crimes Tribunal today (22 December).
The call records, played in open court, reportedly contained discussions about suppressing the student movement in July 2024, including references to "finishing off" protesters and repeatedly urging the imposition of a curfew.
The incident took place as the tribunal was hearing an application to frame formal charges against Salman F Rahman and Anisul Huq on allegations of crimes against humanity. The charges include inciting the killing of students and members of the public during the July mass uprising by enforcing a curfew.
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At around 12pm, both accused were brought before the three-member International Crimes Tribunal-1, led by Justice Golam Mortuza Majumdar. The tribunal began proceedings shortly afterward.
Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Tajul Islam represented the prosecution, while prosecutors Mizanul Islam, Faruk Ahmed, Abdus Sattar Palawan, and others were also present.
The chief prosecutor read out five charges against Salman F Rahman and Anisul Huq one by one.
During the reading of the charges, both accused were seen looking down and smiling.
The chief prosecutor subsequently sought permission to play an audio recording, stating that it directly substantiated the allegations and justified the commencement of the trial.
In the audio clip, Salman F Rahman is allegedly heard discussing the killing of protesters with Anisul Huq as a means of suppressing the movement, while also repeatedly calling for the imposition of a curfew.
As the recording was played, Salman F Rahman and Anisul Huq were seen laughing quietly and speaking to each other inside the courtroom.
Following the hearing, the chief prosecutor formally submitted an application requesting the tribunal to proceed with the trial.
Earlier on 4 December, the prosecution filed charges against Salman F Rahman and Anisul Huq. After preliminary hearings, the tribunal took the charges into cognisance.
