Dhaka: The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT)-2 has scheduled August 7 for the indictment hearing in a case concerning crimes against humanity, specifically addressing the brutal killing and subsequent burning of six youths' bodies in Ashulia during the July-August mass uprising.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the three-judge panel of ICT-2, under the leadership of Justice Nozrul Islam Chowdhury, issued the order after a comprehensive hearing. Prosecutor Gazi MH Tamim represented the prosecution during this session.
The tribunal had earlier, on July 16, instructed the publication of notices in two national newspapers, urging the eight fugitive accused to surrender. The legal protocol mandates that if these fugitives do not surrender to the court, the trial will proceed in their absence.
On July 2, the second tribunal accepted the formal charges regarding the crimes against humanity case. This case pertains to the shooting of six youths in Ashulia, resulting in the death of five and the burning of their bodies alongside another youth during the uprising, purportedly to destroy evidence.
An arrest warrant was also issued on that day for eight individuals, including former lawmaker Muhammad Saiful Islam and ex-deputy inspector general of police Nurul Islam. The prosecution submitted formal charges against a total of 16 individuals at the ICT Registrar's office, which was subsequently addressed by the second tribunal.
The list of accused also comprises former additional superintendent of police (crimes and ops) Md Abdullahil Kafi, former additional superintendent of police (Savar circle) Md Shahidul Islam, former officer in-charge AFM Sayed, former detective branch (DB) inspector Md Arafat Hossain, and former assistant sub-inspectors (SIs) Abdul Malek, Arafat Uddin, Sheikh Abzalul Haque, Bishwajit Saha, Kamrul Hasan, and former constable Mukul Chokder.
The ICT's investigation agency submitted the probe report on June 19. As per the prosecution, on August 5, 2024, police members in Ashulia allegedly shot and killed five youths, injured another, and placed their bodies in a police van. The van was subsequently set on fire to create the illusion that protesters had torched the vehicle, causing the deaths.
Chief Prosecutor Muhammad Tajul Islam previously informed the media, "Tragically, one of the victims was still alive when the fire was set. Police poured petrol on the van and burned him alive."