Ashulia killings: ICT to hear witness testimonies tomorrow against 16 accused
Trials are ongoing against 16 people, eight of whom are absconding. The formal proceedings began with the opening statement today, and witness testimonies will start tomorrow
The International Crimes Tribunal will hear witness testimonies against 16 accused, including ex-MP Saiful Islam, tomorrow (15 September), in the case over the killing of six people during the July uprising in Ashulia and the torching of their bodies to conceal evidence.
International Crimes Tribunal–2 issued the order today (14 September).
Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Tazul Islam presented the opening statement in the tribunal, describing the killings in Ashulia on 5 August last year.
Keep updated, follow The Business Standard's Google news channel
Chief Prosecutor Tazul told reporters that six protesters were shot dead and set on fire in a police van. Trials are ongoing against 16 people, eight of whom are absconding. The formal proceedings began with the opening statement today, and witness testimonies will start tomorrow.
Earlier, on 21 August, the tribunal framed formal charges against the 16 accused and ordered the start of the trial. The day was also scheduled for the opening statement and witness testimonies.
At the start of the proceedings, the tribunal rejected lawyers' petitions seeking acquittal of the 16 accused. The eight present accused were formally read the charges.
Seven of them claimed innocence, while Sub-Inspector Sheikh Abzalul Haque admitted guilt and expressed willingness to become a state witness, providing all information he knew to the court.
His confession was recorded by the tribunal, and he was later approved as a state witness after submitting a written application.
