First witness testifies in trial over Kustia killings during July uprising

The International Crimes Tribunal has recorded the first witness testimony in-camera in the case concerning the killing of six people in Kustia during the July uprising. The testimony concerns a case against Awami League Joint General Secretary Mahbubul Alam Hanif and three other absconding accused.

The session was held in the judge's private chamber under the supervision of a three-member tribunal led by Justice Nazrul Islam Chowdhury. The prosecution requested that the witness testimony be taken in-camera, meaning the proceedings were conducted privately, away from the public and media, to protect the witness from potential threats and intimidation. Lawyers for both the prosecution and the absconding defendants were present. The witness's identity has not been disclosed.

The tribunal scheduled the next testimony session for Thursday (11 December). The prosecution noted that witnesses had previously faced threats and intimidation when appearing in court, prompting the in-camera arrangement.

During the session, prosecutor Mizanul Islam presented the case background, listed witnesses, and shared evidence, including audio-visual material and newspaper clippings. He emphasised that the accused cannot escape accountability. On the other hand, state-appointed lawyer Md Amir Hossain, representing the four absconding accused, urged the court not to judge solely based on political affiliation.

The other three accused, alongside Hanif, are Kustia District Awami League President Sadar Uddin Khan, District General Secretary Azgar Ali, and City Awami League General Secretary Ataur Rahman Ata. The prosecution has listed a total of 38 witnesses, including family members of the deceased, eyewitnesses, injured individuals, movement participants, police, journalists, experts, and investigation officers.

Formal charges against the four absconding accused were framed on 2 November, after which the tribunal scheduled the opening statements and witness testimonies. Three charges have been levied: making inciting statements, conspiracy, and the killing of six people in Kustia.

The killings occurred between July and August 2024, when police and security forces opened fire on student and public demonstrators across Kustia city. Victims included worker Ashraful Islam, Suruj Ali Babu, student Abdullah Al Mustakin, Usama, businessman Bablu Farazi, and government employee Yusuf Sheikh, with many others injured. Following the incident, the International Crimes Tribunal filed a case based on investigation reports.

Meanwhile, in a related session, Digital Forensic Lab Deputy Inspector Shahed Jobayer Lawrence testified as the fourth witness in the case against Hasanul Haq Inu. His testimony was also taken in camera and later cross-examined by the defendant's lawyer, Monsurul Haq Chowdhury. The tribunal has scheduled the next testimony for next Monday.