BSS Photo (File)
Source: BSSS
DST News: The defense today began presenting its arguments before the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT)-1 in a case against three accused, including ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, for their alleged involvement in planning and executing crimes against humanity during the July–August Mass Uprising in Bangladesh.
State-appointed lawyer Advocate Md Amir Hossain appeared on behalf of fugitives Sheikh Hasina and former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, delivering arguments in their defense. Advocate Jaiad Bin Amjad, representing former Inspector General of Police Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun—who has already confessed and turned state witness—was also present in court.
Earlier, Chief Prosecutor Muhammad Tajul Islam had presented arguments over five consecutive days, submitting various pieces of evidence including documentaries on the July Uprising and audio recordings of phone conversations allegedly involving Sheikh Hasina. He also referred to witness testimonies to demonstrate how the crimes were carried out “systematically” to suppress the mass movement.
A total of 54 prosecution witnesses, including the father of martyr Abu Sayed, National Citizens’ Party (NCP) Convener Nahid Islam, and journalist Mahmudur Rahman, testified in court and were later cross-examined by the defense.
On June 17, the tribunal issued public notices in two national newspapers, ordering Sheikh Hasina and Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal to surrender by June 24.
“As per Rule 31 of the International Crimes (Tribunal-1) Rules of Procedure, 2010 (Amendment 2025), the accused must surrender before this tribunal by June 24, 2025; otherwise, the trial will proceed in absentia under Section 10A of the International Crimes (Tribunals) Act, 1973,” the notice stated. The order followed the tribunal’s acceptance of the formal charge on June 16, submitted earlier on June 1.
Chief Prosecutor Tajul informed the court that intelligence reports indicated both Hasina and Kamal were absconding in India.
The prosecution filed five charges of crimes against humanity and mass killings against Hasina, Kamal, and Abdullah Al-Mamun, based on an investigation report submitted by the ICT probe agency on May 12. The tribunal formally framed charges against the three on July 10.
