Dhaka: Five new prosecution witnesses today testified at the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT)-1 against three individuals, including ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, concerning alleged crimes against humanity during the July Mass Uprising.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the other two accused in the case are former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal and ex-Inspector General of Police Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun. The testimonies were followed by cross-examinations by Advocate Amir Hossain, the state-appointed defense counsel for Sheikh Hasina and Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal. Advocate Zayed Bin Amzad, representing Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun who has turned approver, was present during the proceedings.
At the conclusion of today’s session, Justice Md Golam Mortuza Mozumder, chairing the three-judge panel of ICT-1, adjourned the hearing until September 1. To date, a total of 29 prosecution witnesses have been examined by the tribunal.
On June 17, ICT-1 issued notices in two national dailies, mandating Sheikh Hasina and Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal to surrender by June 24. The notice stated, “As per Rule 31 of the International Crimes (Tribunal-1) Rules of Procedure 2010 (Amendment) 2025, they are ordered to surrender at this tribunal on June 24, 2025. Otherwise, the trial will proceed in absentia under Section 10A of the International Crimes (Tribunals) Act, 1973.”
The tribunal had directed the issuance of these notices on June 16 after acknowledging the formal charges filed on June 1. Chief Prosecutor Muhammad Tajul Islam informed the court that both Hasina and Kamal were at large, with intelligence reports indicating their presence in India.
The prosecution has leveled five charges of crimes against humanity and mass killings against Hasina, Kamal, and Abdullah Al-Mamun, based on the probe report submitted by the ICT investigation agency on May 12.