ICT sets dates for charge framing hearings in enforced disappearance cases against Hasina, others

The International Crimes Tribunal-1 (ICT-1) has fixed 3 December and 7 December for charge-framing hearings in two cases concerning alleged crimes against humanity, including enforced disappearances and torture, during the tenure of Sheikh Hasina as prime minister.

The cases list former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, former home minister Asaduzzaman Khan and several army officials as accused.

The three-member ICT-1, led by Justice Md Golam Mortuza Majumder, fixed the dates today (23 November).

According to the Tribunal's order, the charge framing hearing in the case involving the Task Force for Interrogation (TFI) Cell will be held on 3 December, while the hearing for the case concerning the Joint Interrogation Cell (JIC) is scheduled for 7 December.

At the same time, the Tribunal appointed senior lawyer ZI Khan Panna as State Defence Counsel for the absconding accused, including the fugitive Sheikh Hasina, to ensure legal representation for those not present before the court.

A total of 17 people have been accused in the case relating to enforced disappearances and torture at the TFI Cell. Ten of the accused are in custody.

They are Brig Gen Md Jahangir Alam, Brig Gen Tofael Mostafa Sarwar, Brig Gen Md Kamrul Hassan, Brig Gen Md Mahbub Alam, Brig KM Azad, Col Abdullah Al Momen, Col Anwar Latif Khan (on preparatory leave for retirement), Lt Col Md Mashiur Rahman, Lt Col Saiful Islam Sumon, and Lt Col Md Sarwar Bin Kashem.

The first seven accused served as additional directors general of the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), while the remaining three served as directors of RAB Intelligence Wing during the tenure of the Awami League government, which was removed from power during the July Uprising. 

Former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, former home minister Asaduzzaman Khan, former prime minister's adviser Tarique Ahmed Siddique, and seven others are absconding in this case.

Additionally, 13 people have been accused in the second case concerning enforced disappearances and torture at the JIC Cell.

Three of the accused are in custody: Maj Gen Sheikh Md Sarwar Hossain, Brig Gen Md Mahbubur Rahman Siddiqui, and Brig Gen Ahmed Tanvir Mazahar Siddiqui, all former directors of the Directorate General of Forces Intelligence (DGFI).

Those in custody in both cases were brought before the Tribunal today. After the hearing, they were transported back to the Sub-Jail at Dhaka Cantonment in a special blue prison van.

Further proceedings in both cases will continue on the dates set by the Tribunal.