Dhaka: The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT)-1 has scheduled July 1 for the indictment hearing against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and two others in a crimes against humanity case. The charges relate to their involvement in the violent events of the July-August Mass Uprising. Alongside Hasina, the accused include former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal and former Inspector General of Police Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the tribunal, led by Justice Md Golam Mortuza Mozumder, made this decision after Hasina and Kamal failed to appear in court despite notices published in national newspapers urging them to surrender. In response, the tribunal has decided to appoint state defense counsel for both Hasina and Kamal.
The ICT-1 had issued a notice on June 17 in two national dailies, mandating that Hasina and Kamal surrender by June 24, 2025. The notice emphasized that failure to comply would result in the trial proceeding in their absence, as per the relevant sections of the International Crimes (Tribunals) Act, 1973.
Justice Mozumder’s tribunal previously ordered the publication of these notices on June 16, following a formal charge by the prosecution. Chief Prosecutor Muhammad Tajul Islam remarked that both Hasina and Kamal have not been apprehended, with reports suggesting their current presence in India.
The prosecution has formally charged the accused with five counts of crimes against humanity. The investigation agency submitted its report on May 12, detailing the alleged offenses committed during the unrest.