Dhaka: The defence today began placing arguments before the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT)-1 in a case filed against three accused, including ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina, over their alleged role in orchestrating crimes against humanity during the July-August Mass Uprising. Advocate Md Amir Hossain, state-appointed counsel to defend fugitives Sheikh Hasina and former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, is placing arguments for his high-profile clients. Advocate Jaiad Bin Amjad, counsel for another accused, former Inspector General of Police Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun, who has already pleaded guilty and has become an approver, was present in the courtroom.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Chief Prosecutor Muhammad Tajul Islam had earlier presented arguments for five consecutive days. His presentation included documentaries on the July Mass Uprising and audio records of telephonic conversations involving Sheikh Hasina. The prosecutor also referenced testimonies from various prosecution witnesses, establishing connections between the crimes against humanity committed to suppress the Mass Uprising in a 'systematic way'.
A total of 54 prosecution witnesses, including the father of July martyr Abu Sayed, National Citizens' Party Convener Nahid Islam, and journalist Mahmudur Rahman, testified in the case and were cross-examined by the defence counsel. Notices were published in national dailies on June 17, ordering Sheikh Hasina and Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal to surrender by June 24. The tribunal issued these notices after taking cognisance of the formal charges submitted on June 1.
Chief Prosecutor Tajul informed the court of intelligence reports indicating that Hasina and Kamal were absconding and possibly in India. The prosecution has brought five charges of crimes against humanity and mass killings against Hasina, Kamal, and Abdullah Al-Mamun. These charges are based on a probe report filed by the ICT investigation agency on May 12, with the tribunal framing the charges on July 10.