Dhaka: The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT)-2 is poised to deliver its verdict in a high-profile case concerning crimes against humanity, specifically regarding the killing of seven youths and the subsequent burning of six of their bodies in Ashulia on August 5, 2024. Justice Nazrul Islam Chowdhury, leading the three-judge panel of ICT-2, has reserved the judgment, placing it on CAV (curia advisory vault), a legal term indicating the court is awaiting its decision following the conclusion of legal arguments.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the tribunal formally charged sixteen individuals on August 21, 2025, in connection with the case. Of these, eight are currently in custody. Seven of the accused have pleaded not guilty, asserting their right to justice, while SI Sheikh Abzalul Haque has admitted guilt and subsequently became an approver for the case. The individuals who have pleaded not guilty include former Additional Superintendent of Police (Crimes and Operations) Md Abdullahil Kafi, former ASP (Savar Circle) Md Shahidul Islam, former DB Inspector Md Arafat Hossain, former sub-inspectors Abdul Malek and Arafat Uddin, former assistant SI Kamrul Hasan, and former constable Mukul Chokder.
The prosecution has previously stated that the accused are responsible for the deaths of 29 individuals during an uprising in Savar, with one death occurring on August 4 and six on the following day. The prosecution argues that the accused committed dual offences by first killing the victims and then burning their bodies on August 5. The tribunal has also issued public notices summoning eight fugitives to surrender, warning that the trial will proceed in their absence if they fail to comply.
The formal charges, acknowledged by ICT-2 on July 2, describe the shooting of six youths on August 5, 2024, resulting in the immediate death of five and the incineration of their bodies, along with another injured youth, in an apparent effort to eliminate evidence. Arrest warrants were simultaneously issued for eight fugitives, including former lawmaker Muhammad Saiful Islam and former Deputy Inspector General of Police Nurul Islam.
The ICT investigation agency submitted its probe report on June 19, which contends that the police placed the victims’ bodies in a van and set it on fire to create the illusion that protesters were responsible for the blaze. Furthermore, it is alleged that one victim was still alive when the fire was ignited.