ICT to Hear Hasina Crimes Against Humanity Case

The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) is set to begin arguments on Sunday in a high-profile case against ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and two others, accused of crimes against humanity during the July-August uprising last year. Tribunal sources said the case will be ready for judgment once the arguments are completed.

The three-member ICT-1 bench, headed by Justice Golam Mortuza Majumder, scheduled the hearing after the completion of depositions by the last prosecution witness and investigation officer (IO) Md Alamgir.

Witness depositions completed

Of the 54 prosecution witnesses, several notable individuals gave their depositions, including members of families of martyred individuals, Nahid Islam — convener of the National Citizen Party, and Dr Mahmudur Rahman, editor of Daily Amar Desh. These testimonies form the basis of the prosecution’s argument against the accused.

Legal representation

Chief Prosecutor Tajul Islam, along with prosecutors Mizanul Islam and Gazi MH Tamim, will represent the state. On behalf of fugitive accused Sheikh Hasina and former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, Advocate Amir Hossain has been appointed.

Additionally, Advocate Zayed Bin Amjad will represent former Inspector General of Police Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun, who submitted a confessional statement and became a state approver in the case.

Background of the case

The charges were formally framed on 10 July, accusing the defendants of involvement in crimes against humanity during the last year’s nationwide uprising, which resulted in numerous deaths and injuries.

This case is one of three separate proceedings pending against Sheikh Hasina at the tribunal. The other cases relate to alleged killings and enforced disappearances during her 15-and-a-half-year tenure, as well as a massacre at a Hefazat-e-Islam rally in Motijheel’s Shapla Chattar.

Ongoing tribunal proceedings

Following the fall of Hasina’s government on 5 August last year, two separate ICT tribunals have been hearing allegations of crimes against humanity involving top leaders of her party and certain government officials loyal to her administration.

The upcoming Sunday hearing marks a significant stage in the judicial process, with legal arguments expected to shape the tribunal’s final judgment in this critical and politically sensitive case.

Observers note that the tribunal’s proceedings are being closely watched both nationally and internationally, given the prominence of the accused and the gravity of the allegations.

The ICT’s handling of this case reflects ongoing efforts to ensure accountability for crimes against humanity and the rule of law in post-uprising Bangladesh.