Dhaka: Prominent writer and intellectual Badruddin Umar, who passed away today, was identified as a crucial witness in a case against the deposed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) for crimes against humanity during the 2024 July Uprising. ICT Prosecutor Gazi M H Tamim informed the press about Umar’s significance as a witness in the ongoing legal proceedings.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Umar had provided testimony to the investigation officer before his death. Although Umar could not present his deposition in person at the tribunal, the ICT has the provision under section 19 (2) of its Act to consider his deposition based on the testimony given to the investigation officer, should the prosecution file a petition. The decision to appeal in this matter will be made by the Chief Prosecution of the tribunal.
Badruddin Umar’s passing occurred while he was receiving treatment for age-related complications at Bangladesh Specialized Hospital. He died at 10:05 am at the age of 94. Jatiya Mukti Council Secretary Foyzul Hakim stated that Umar had been admitted to the hospital on July 22 due to shortness of breath and low blood pressure. Following a 10-day treatment period, he was discharged from the hospital last week.
Born on December 20, 1931, in Bardhaman, India, Umar was the son of Abul Hashim, a Muslim nationalist politician in the subcontinent. His literary contributions on Bangladesh’s nationalist movement, religion, and politics significantly influenced the country’s liberation. Among his notable works are “Samprodayikota” (1966), “Sangskritir Sangkat” (1967), and “Sangskritik Samprodayikota” (1969).
Umar’s career began as a part-time lecturer at Dhaka University, after which he established the Department of Sociology at Rajshahi University. He was a prominent figure in several organizations, serving as president of the Bangladesh Krishok Federation and as a central coordinator of the Gonotantrik Biplobi Jote. He was also involved with the Purba Banglar Communist Party’s central committee. In 2003, Umar founded the Jatiya Mukti Council, where he remained president until his death.