Prosecution continues arguments in Hasina crimes against humanity case
Advocate Amir Hossain, the state‑appointed counsel for fugitives Sheikh Hasina and former home minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, cross‑examined the witnesses
The prosecution at the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT)-1 today (14 October) placed arguments for the third consecutive day in a case against three persons, including ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, over crimes against humanity committed during the July–August Mass Uprising.
At the end of today's proceedings, Justice Golam Mortuza Mozumder, chairman of the three‑member panel of the tribunal, adjourned the hearing until tomorrow.
ICT Chief Prosecutor Muhammad Tajul Islam continued presenting arguments, placing before the court various documentaries on the July Mass Uprising and audio records of telephonic conversations between Sheikh Hasina and Hasanul Haque Inu, and Sheikh Hasina and Barrister Fazle Noor Taposh.
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He also referred to testimonies of prosecution witnesses and drew links to crimes against humanity committed to suppress the Mass Uprising in a "Systematic way."
Earlier, a total of 54 prosecution witnesses — including the father of July martyr Abu Sayed, National Citizen's Party (NCP) Convener Nahid Islam and journalist Mahmudur Rahman — testified in the case and were cross‑examined by defence counsel.
Advocate Amir Hossain, the state‑appointed counsel for fugitives Sheikh Hasina and former home minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, cross‑examined the witnesses. Former Inspector General of Police Chowdhury Abdullah Al‑Mamun, another accused in the case, had earlier pleaded guilty and became an approver.
On 17 June, ICT‑1 published notices in two national dailies asking Sheikh Hasina and Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal to surrender before the court by 24 June.
"As per Rule 31 of the International Crimes (Tribunal‑1) Rules of Procedure, 2010 (Amendment 2025), they are ordered to surrender before this tribunal on 24 June 2025. Otherwise, the trial will proceed in absentia under Section 10A of the International Crimes (Tribunals) Act, 1973," the notice said.
The tribunal issued the notices on 16 June after taking cognisance of the formal charges submitted on 1 June.
Chief Prosecutor Tajul informed the court that Hasina and Kamal were absconding, citing intelligence reports suggesting they were in India.
The prosecution brought five charges of crimes against humanity and mass killings against Hasina, Kamal and Abdullah Al‑Mamun, based on a probe report filed by the ICT investigation agency on 12 May. The tribunal framed the charges against the trio on 10 July.
