Enforced disappearances, killings: ICT indicts Ziaul Ahsan, trial begins 8 Feb

The International Crimes Tribunal-1 (ICT-1) ordered to start the trial against retired major general Ziaul Ahsan by framing charges in a crime against humanity case over more than a hundred incidents of enforced disappearances and killings during the Awami League regime.

The tribunal today (14 January) also fixed 8 February for placing the prosecution's opening statement and for recording witness testimonies.

The order was issued by a three-member judicial panel of the tribunal, led by Chairman Justice Md Golam Mortuza Mozumder. The other members of the panel are Justice Md Shafiul Alam Mahmud and retired district and sessions judge Md Mohitul Haq Enam Chowdhury.

At the outset, the tribunal rejected petitions filed by the defence seeking Ziaul Ahsan's acquittal from the case. Subsequently, Justice Md Shafiul Alam Mahmud read out three charges brought against the accused.

After the charges were read out, the tribunal asked Ziaul Ahsan, whether he pleaded guilty. In response, he said, "Not guilty."

Following this, the tribunal formally framed the charges and ordered the start of the trial.