Dhaka: The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT)-1 has issued an order for the publication of notices in two national newspapers, mandating the appearance of ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal before the tribunal by June 24. The directive comes in response to charges related to crimes against humanity associated with the July-August mass uprising.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the tribunal's decision follows the formal acceptance of charges filed by the prosecution on June 1. The charges implicate the former Prime Minister, her Home Minister Kamal, and police chief Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun. The ICT-1, led by Justice Md Golam Mortuza Mozumder, deliberated on the case and subsequently instructed the publication of notices in one Bengali and one English national daily to summon the accused.
Chief Prosecutor Muhammad Tajul Islam highlighted that Sheikh Hasina and Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal remain at large, with reports suggesting their presence in India. The tribunal's directive aims to ensure their appearance, as police efforts to apprehend them have so far been unsuccessful.
The tribunal has scheduled June 24 for the next order in connection with the case. The prosecution has leveled five charges against the trio, with the ICT's investigation agency having submitted its probe report on May 12, detailing allegations of crimes against humanity and mass killings.