Dhaka: The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) has shown the arrest of 13 individuals, including nine former ministers, in connection with a case related to killings, genocide, and crimes against humanity perpetrated during the July-August student-led mass uprising. The tribunal, led by Justice Md Golam Mortuza Mozumder, issued the arrest order in the presence of these high-profile accused, marking a significant development in the ongoing legal proceedings.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the tribunal’s decision to show the arrest includes figures such as Anisul Huq, Lt Col (retd) Faruk Khan, Dr. Dipu Moni, and several other prominent political figures. The tribunal, comprising Justice Md Shofiqul Alam Mahmood and Judge M Mohitul Hoque Anam Chowdhury alongside Justice Mozumder, has been actively overseeing this critical case. Despite the presence of these accused, former agriculture minister Dr. Abdur Razzak could not be produced in court as he remains in police custody in Tangail Mirzapur for a di
fferent case. The tribunal has directed that he, along with other defendants, be present for the next hearing.
The prosecution was granted a partial extension for submitting the probe report, with the deadline set for December 17, 2024. The accused were transported to the tribunal in a sequence of three separate prison vans, with Dr. Dipu Moni being transported independently due to unspecified reasons. The proceedings commenced promptly at 11 am, following a prior hearing involving ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina.
Chief Prosecutor Advocate Muhammad Tajul Islam argued that the accused played significant roles in aiding Sheikh Hasina in executing the alleged genocides and crimes against humanity. He emphasized that while some acted under Hasina’s command, others held individual responsibilities for the atrocities. The prosecutor highlighted that the accused had actively contributed to maintaining Hasina’s regime during the tumultuous period, showing no remorse for their actions.
In attendance at the hear
ing were Deputy Attorney Generals Gazi Monawar Hossain Tamim, BM Sultan Mahmud, and Abdullah Al Noman, who represented the government’s interests in this pivotal case.