Dhaka: The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT)-1 today adjourned the hearing of a case against three individuals, including the ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, concerning alleged crimes against humanity during the July-August Mass Uprising until tomorrow. The three-member tribunal, led by Justice Md Golam Mortuza Mozumder, made the decision as the prosecution continued their arguments for the second day.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, ICT Chief Prosecutor Muhammad Tajul Islam presented the arguments, detailing the extent of the crimes allegedly committed by the accused. Video evidence was presented, showing the killing of college student Hridoy on August 5, 2024, in Gazipur Konabari. Hridoy, who supported his family by driving an auto rickshaw, was allegedly shot by police constable Akram after being apprehended during a procession celebrating the news of Sheikh Hasina's removal from office. Tajul stated that Hridoy's body was disposed of in the river Kodda under the cover of darkness, and that constable Akram has been arrested and has given a confessional statement.
On October 12, the chief prosecutor argued that the July 2024 Mass Uprising was inevitable, claiming the Awami League government had become oppressive during its 15-year tenure. A total of 54 prosecution witnesses, including the father of July martyr Abu Sayed, National Citizen's Party Convener Nahid Islam, and journalist Mahmudur Rahman, testified in the case and were cross-examined by the defense counsel.
Advocate Amir Hossain, representing fugitives Sheikh Hasina and former home minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, cross-examined the witnesses. Former Inspector General of Police Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun, another accused, had previously pleaded guilty and turned approver.
On June 17, ICT-1 published notices in national dailies, directing Sheikh Hasina and Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal to surrender to the court by June 24. The tribunal warned that failure to comply would result in the trial proceeding in absentia under Section 10A of the International Crimes (Tribunals) Act, 1973.
The tribunal issued the notices on June 16 after accepting formal charges submitted on June 1. Chief Prosecutor Tajul informed the court that Hasina and Kamal were absconding, with intelligence reports indicating their presence in India. The prosecution has brought five charges of crimes against humanity and mass killings against the accused, based on an ICT investigation agency report filed on May 12. The charges were formally framed against the trio on July 10.