July massacre: ICT orders initiating trial in first case against Hasina, deposition to start 3 August
Former IGP Abdullah Al Mamun has confessed to his role in the crimes and agreed to become a state witness, according to his lawyer and the prosecution.
The International Crimes Tribunal-1 (ICT) has ordered the beginning of the trial in the first case against ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina over crimes against humanity charges, including mass killings, murder, and torture, during last year's July-August uprising.
Watch
The tribunal has also fixed 3 August to kick off the recording of witness testimonies following opening statements by both sides in the case.
Keep updated, follow The Business Standard's Google news channel
A three-member ICT bench, headed by the tribunal's Chairman Justice Md Golam Mortuza Mozumder, issued the order today (10 July) after rejecting a defence plea to dismiss the charges.
ICT Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Tajul Islam appeared for the state during the hearing.
Among the accused, Hasina and former home minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal are absconding and were represented in court by state-appointed lawyer Amir Hossain.
The other accused, facing the same charges, in the case is former inspector general of police Chowdhury Abdullah Al Mamun.
Mamun, who is currently in custody, was produced before the tribunal today, where he agreed to become a state witness, according to his lawyer and the prosecution.
Before the charges were formally framed, he confessed to his role in the crimes.
Standing in the dock, he submitted a written statement admitting his guilt and told the court that he wanted to expose all those involved in the atrocities.
Earlier, on 12 May, the ICT's investigation agency filed its probe report in the case, bringing five charges against the three accused.
The charges include the delivery of a provocative speech by Hasina at a press briefing at Ganabhaban on 14 July 2024, a directive from her to eliminate the July Movement protesters with the use of helicopters, drones, and lethal weapons by the law enforcers.
The three were also accused of issuing directives to law enforcers, collaborating with the Awami League and plotting to kill innocent students and the public on 5 August last year in Dhaka's Chankharpul and Ashulia as part of a broader plan to eliminate the protesters to suppress the movement.
