Dhaka: The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT)-2 today adjourned the hearing on the charge framing in a crimes against humanity case involving the killing and burning of the bodies of six youths in Ashulia during the July-August Mass Uprising, until August 13. The three-judge panel of the ICT-2, led by Justice Nozrul Islam Chowdhury, passed the order after the prosecution concluded their part of the hearing. The defence is slated to participate in the charge framing hearing on the next date.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the tribunal had previously ordered the publication of a notice in two national dailies, instructing eight fugitive accused in the case to surrender. The rule stipulates that if the fugitives fail to surrender before the court, the trial will proceed in their absence. The ICT-2 had initially taken into consideration the formal charge in the case on July 2, which pertains to the firing on six youths in Ashulia, resulting in the death of five, and the burning of their bodies along with another youth during the uprising to conceal evidence.
Prosecutor Gazi MH Tamim highlighted the dual nature of the crimes, stating, “A total of 29 people were killed during the July-August Mass Uprising in Savar area. One person was killed on August 4 and six were killed the next day.” The prosecution argues that the accused committed two types of crimes: the killing of innocents and the subsequent burning of their bodies.
The tribunal also issued arrest warrants against eight accused, including former lawmaker Muhammad Saiful Islam and former Deputy Inspector General of Police Nurul Islam. The prosecution had filed formal charges against 16 individuals at the ICT Registrar’s office, later mentioned in the second tribunal. The list of accused features former police officials such as Md Abdullahil Kafi, Md Shahidul Islam, AFM Sayed, and others.
The investigation agency of the ICT submitted the probe report on June 19. According to the prosecution, on August 5, 2024, police in Ashulia allegedly shot and killed five youths, injured another, and placed their bodies in a police van, which was then set on fire to make it appear as though protesters had torched the vehicle. Chief Prosecutor Muhammad Tajul Islam emphasized the brutality of the incident, stating, “Tragically, one of the victims was still alive when the fire was set. Police poured petrol on the van and burnt him alive.”