ICT rejects Inu's plea for reinvestigation in July crimes case

The International Crimes Tribunal has rejected an appeal by Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal President Hasanul Haq Inu seeking a reinvestigation into a case linking him over the killing of six people in Kushtia during the anti-discrimination student movement.

The tribunal also set 6 April for the next hearing to present final arguments in the case, now in its concluding stage.

The order came today (2 April), when the case was scheduled for closing arguments. Instead, Inu's counsel, Monsurul Haq Chowdhury, submitted a petition seeking a fresh probe.

During the hearing, the defence questioned the neutrality of the prosecution and the investigating agency, citing internal disputes and alleged conflicts of interest.

The defence argued that, in the interest of justice, the case required reinvestigation and the re-examination of witnesses.

Chief Prosecutor Md Aminul Islam opposed the petition, stating that reinvestigation is not permitted in criminal cases.

A three-member bench of the International Crimes Tribunal-2, led by Justice Nazrul Islam Chowdhury, rejected the application and directed the defence to proceed with their arguments.

The defence then presented part of its closing submissions, with the tribunal fixing 6 April for the continuation of arguments.

During the hearing, the chief prosecutor told the court that the defence had filed the petition to turn the case into a "news item". He also urged the tribunal to prevent any such attempt.

Speaking to reporters after the hearing, Aminul Islam said that while reinvestigation is not allowed, further investigation may be possible in certain cases.

The tribunal, after hearing both sides, dismissed the plea and observed that the application appeared to be a tactic to prolong the trial.

Earlier, on 10 March, Inu submitted a written statement of around 64 pages as part of his defence. His counsel had alleged that he was not given the opportunity to provide oral testimony.