Dhaka: Amar Desh Editor Mahmudur Rahman and National Citizens Party (NCP) Convener Nahid Islam are set to provide depositions before the International Crimes Tribunal-1 (ICT-1) on Monday. They will testify against Sheikh Hasina and two other individuals accused of crimes against humanity.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the ICT-1, led by Justice Golam Murtoza Majumder, designated the upcoming Monday for the recording of depositions from these two prominent witnesses. The case involves allegations of crimes against humanity against three individuals. Prosecutor Gazi M H Tamim shared this development with journalists after leaving the tribunal. As of last Tuesday, the tribunal had recorded depositions from 45 prosecution witnesses in connection to the case.
Former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Chowdhury Abdullah Al Mamun, one of the accused, previously provided his deposition as a state approver, following the testimonies and cross-examinations of 35 witnesses. Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Tajul Islam, along with Prosecutors Mizanul Islam and Gazi M H Tamim, represented the state with other prosecutors present at the tribunal.
State-appointed counsel advocate Amir Hossain represented fugitive accused Sheikh Hasina and Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, while advocate Zayed Bin Amjad represented former IGP Chowdhury Abdullah Al Mamun, who later became a state approver. The ICT-1 framed charges against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, and former IGP Chowdhury Abdullah Al Mamun on July 10 for their alleged involvement in crimes against humanity. At a certain point during the trial, Mamun provided a confessional statement and became a state approver.
Additionally, two more cases are pending in the tribunal against Sheikh Hasina, concerning allegations related to enforced disappearances, killings during her 15-year rule, and the deaths at a Hefajat rally in Shapla Chattar, Dhaka, on May 5, 2013. Two International Crimes Tribunals are actively pursuing cases against key figures from the last Awami League government, party cadres, and certain government officials, including law enforcement agencies, for their alleged involvement in crimes against humanity during last year's July-August mass upsurge.