Verdict in Ashulia crimes against humanity case any day
The International Crimes Tribunal-2 is set to deliver a verdict any day in the crimes against humanity case over the killing of seven people, including the burning of six bodies, in Ashulia during the July uprising.
A three-member tribunal, led by Justice Nazrul Islam Chowdhury, kept the judgment in CAV (curia advisory vault, a Latin legal term meaning the court awaits verdict) after concluding arguments from both the prosecution and the defence yesterday.
Speaking on the matter, Prosecutor Gazi MH Tamim said the tribunal heard submissions from both sides on the scheduled day, with the prosecution responding immediately to the defence arguments.
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He described the incident, which occurred in front of Ashulia Police Station on 5 August 2024, as "extremely brutal". He also said that the victims were shot dead before petrol was poured on their bodies and set on fire.
Following the completion of legal proceedings, the court has kept the case pending for verdict.
Eight of the 16 accused have been arrested and produced before the tribunal from jail yesterday. They are: former Additional Superintendent of Police (Crime and Ops) of Dhaka district Md Abdullahil Kafi; former Additional Superintendent of Police (Savar Circle) Md Shahidul Islam; then Detective Branch Inspector Arafat Hossain; SI Malek; SI Arafat Uddin; ASI Kamrul Hasan; SI Sheikh Abzalul Haque; and Constable Mukul. Former MP Saiful Islam and the remaining accused remain absconding.
On 21 August 2025, the tribunal framed charges against all 16 accused. Seven pleaded not guilty and demanded justice, though SI Sheikh Abzalul Haque later turned approver.
