Dhaka: Chief Prosecutor of the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) Muhammad Tajul Islam today accused the ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina of being the central figure in crimes against humanity committed during the July mass uprising.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Tajul Islam made these allegations in his opening statement in the crimes against humanity case against Sheikh Hasina, Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, and Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun at ICT-1. He asserted that Hasina, who was the prime minister at the time and held significant political power, was at the core of these crimes. Tajul emphasized that Hasina’s role as the leader of the ruling Awami League and the 14-party alliance facilitated her autocratic decision-making.
Tajul further stated that the primary objective of the crimes committed during the July-August mass uprising was to maintain Hasina’s grip on power. He noted that the other accused were aware that their security and potential rewards were contingent upon Hasina’s continued leadership. The prosecution plans to present eyewitnesses, digital evidence, government communications, and forensic reports to substantiate the allegations against the accused.
In his statement, Tajul revealed a telephonic conversation script between Hasina and her nephew, then Dhaka South City Corporation mayor Barrister Sheikh Fazle Noor Taposh. In the conversation, Hasina allegedly ordered the use of lethal force, including firing from helicopters, against protestors.
Tajul described accused Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal as part of a “Gang of Four” and claimed that decisions to suppress the mass uprising were made in meetings at Kamal’s residence. He also implicated Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun, who was the inspector general of police at the time, noting his role in controlling law enforcement and overseeing the implementation of orders to fire on unarmed protestors.
The hearing was attended by Special Prosecutor Advisor to the ICT Barrister Toby Cadman, along with prosecutors Mizanul Islam, Md Abdus Sobhan Tarafder, Gazi Monawar Hossain Tamim, BM Sultan Mahmud, and Abdullah Al Noman.