Dhaka: Depositions against the ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for her alleged involvement in crimes against humanity during the July-August mass uprising last year are set to commence at the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) by the end of this month or in the first week of August. Prosecutor Gazi M H Tamim announced today that the process would soon begin, marking a significant phase in addressing the allegations.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the Chief Prosecutor of ICT, Mohammad Tajul Islam, has already filed a motion with the tribunal to try the absconding former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, alongside the former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal and the detained former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Chowdhury Abdullah Al Mamun. These charges were framed following a charge hearing on July 1, presided over by ICT-1’s Justice Golam Mortuza Majumder.
During the tribunal session, the Chief Prosecutor presented five allegations against the accused, asserting that crimes against humanity were orchestrated nationwide during the mass uprising period. He described these actions as ‘systematic’ and emphasized their widespread nature in terms of number, scale, and geographical coverage.
The tribunal heard arguments that police and auxiliary forces executed a coordinated ‘massacre’ across the country, allegedly following directives from Sheikh Hasina. The Chief Prosecutor contended that the use of deadly weapons and the systematic aggression constituted clear crimes against humanity.
Following these deliberations, state-appointed lawyer for Sheikh Hasina and Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, advocate Amir Hossain, requested a two-week extension for framing charges. However, the tribunal scheduled the next hearing for July 7. Meanwhile, former IGP Chowdhury Abdullah Al Mamun’s lawyer, Zayed Bin Amzad, was present at the tribunal proceedings. Bangladesh Television (BTV) broadcasted the hearing live with the tribunal’s permission.
In addition to this case, Sheikh Hasina faces two more legal challenges. One case involves allegations of killings and enforced disappearances during the previous 15-year Awami League (AL) government rule, while the other pertains to the killing of participants at Hefajat Islam’s rally in the city’s Shapla Chattar. Several allegations against the former AL government, political cadres, and government officers have been submitted, citing involvement in crimes against humanity.