[🇧🇩] International Crimes Tribunal Act & The Crimes Against Humanity

[Saif]

ICT probe body brings 5 charges against Hasina, 2 others

The investigation agency of the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) on Monday filed its probe report in a crime against humanity and genocide case lodged against ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina and two others over heinous crimes committed during the July-August mass uprising. “The probe...

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ICT probe body brings 5 charges against Hasina, 2 others
BSS Dhaka
Published: 12 May 2025, 19: 23

A collage of the ICT logo and Sheikh Hasina File photo

The investigation agency of the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) on Monday filed its probe report in a crime against humanity and genocide case lodged against ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina and two others over heinous crimes committed during the July-August mass uprising.

“The probe body completed its investigation within six months and 28 days and brought five charges against the mastermind of the crimes and superior commandant Sheikh Hasina, former home minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal and former inspector general of police (IGP) Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun,” ICT Chief Prosecutor Muhammad Tajul Islam told newspersons at a press briefing marking the submission of probe report.

The chief prosecutor further said the investigation agency implicated the ousted prime minister of inciting the crimes against humanity through her 14 July press briefing, where she described the anti-discrimination agitators as the grandchildren of the Rajakars.

“She unleashed the various law enforcement and intelligence agencies against them (the protesting students). Apart from the state agencies, armed members of Awami League and its associate bodies like Jubo League and Chhatra League swooped on the protesters with all their might. They slaughtered the agitating students, injured them and committed crimes against humanity,” Muhammad Tajul Islam stated.

The ICT chief prosecutor maintained that the probe body in the second charge accused Sheikh Hasina of giving direct order in committing crimes against humanity.

“The investigation agency seized records of some telephonic conversations of Sheikh Hasina, where she repeatedly ensured that she ordered all the state agencies to eliminate all the innocent civilians, who were agitating peacefully for a fair demand, by using helicopters, drones and APCs (armored personnel carriers),” he added.

The three other charges were related to particular incidents, where crimes were committed following directions of Sheikh Hasina, the chief prosecutor confirmed.​

 

[Saif]

HRW calls for prosecuting members of AL govt accused of crimes

Human Rights Watch has said the interim government should give priority on delivering justice for human rights violations, particularly unlawful killings and enforced disappearances. New York-based rights organisation HRW made the remark in a news release titled 'Bangladesh: Review Laws and...

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HRW calls for prosecuting members of AL govt accused of crimes
Staff Correspondent Dhaka
Published: 22 May 2025, 20: 12

Human Rights Watch has said the interim government should give priority on delivering justice for human rights violations, particularly unlawful killings and enforced disappearances.

New York-based rights organisation HRW made the remark in a news release titled 'Bangladesh: Review Laws and Protect Human Rights Standards' uploaded in its website on Wednesday.

"Focus on prosecuting members of the former government accused of crimes based on credible evidence," HRW said adding those accused of committing crimes under Hasina’s government should be appropriately prosecuted.

“Sheikh Hasina’s government abused legal powers to silence political opponents, but using similar methods against the supporters of her Awami League party would also violate those same fundamental freedoms,” said Human Rights Watch deputy Asia director Meenakshi Ganguly.

Recent legislative initiatives by Bangladesh’s interim government risk undermining fundamental freedoms, Human Rights Watch said.

“The draft legislation on enforced disappearances, on the other hand, does little to advance justice or provide answers for the hundreds of victims and families affected by disappearances under Hasina’s rule.”

The lack of concrete steps to address the issue of enforced disappearances has left victims’ families in anguish. “I still hope [my son] will come back,” the mother of a man who disappeared in state custody in 2013 told Human Rights Watch.

“But if he can’t come back, I want the perpetrators brought to justice so no one can think of taking away another mother’s son.”

Instead, some families have reported intimidation, including Sanjida Islam, coordinator of a victims’ organisation Mayer Daak, whose family home was raided by police on 8 May.

The HRW said the government should use evidence gathered by the commission of inquiry to investigate enforced disappearances to prosecute alleged perpetrators, remove suspects in the security forces from active duty, and reveal the fate of the missing.

“The interim government should ensure progress on revealing what happened to the disappeared and holding perpetrators accountable through fair trials," the rights organisation added.

Meanwhile, there is growing concern over delays in addressing serious abuses that occurred under the Awami League government.

On 27 August 2024, the interim government established a commission of inquiry to investigate enforced disappearances committed under Hasina’s rule. In its preliminary report , the commission announced that it recorded 1,676 complaints, and that the whereabouts of some 200 victims remain unknown.

It described the “systematic design” of enforced disappearances, mostly targeting political opponents, and uncovered grim evidence of torture and inhumane conditions at secret detention sites operated by Bangladeshi security agencies.

The commission has sought an extension until December 2025 to submit all its findings. However, proposed legislation on enforced disappearances does not mention any role for the commission’s findings, and excludes enforced disappearances committed in a “widespread” or “systematic” manner, leaving them to the jurisdiction of Bangladesh’s under resourced and controversial International Crimes Tribunal.

While the proposed disappearances law would establish a new National Commission on the Prevention and Remedy of Enforced Disappearances, there are no provisions to ensure its independence.

Criminal cases of those suspected of enforced disappearances would be prosecuted by a new Tribunal for Prevention and Remedies of Enforced Disappearance.

However, neither body would have jurisdiction over “widespread or systematic” enforced disappearances that constitute crimes against humanity, which constitutes most cases committed under the previous government.

Other aspects of the law are problematic. While the legislation would criminalise anyone who aids, abets, instructs, orders, or conspires in a disappearance, it sets a stricter threshold for the application of command or superior responsibility compared to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court.

The Rome Statute criminalises a military commander who knew or should have known about crimes being committed by subordinates but failed to act to prevent the crimes or hand over those responsible for prosecution.

However, the draft law excludes command responsibility based on constructive knowledge and introduces an additional requirement that the superior must have “exercised authority in an act connected with the disappearance”.

Instead of pursuing its pledge to reform the criminal justice system and bring accountability for serious abuses, the government, led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, is attempting to suppress the rights of supporters of the deposed leader, Sheikh Hasina, and the Awami League party.

Meanwhile, draft legislation to address enforced disappearances, which were widespread under the previous government, does not meet international standards and scarcely addresses accountability for past crimes.

After three weeks of protests in which around 1,400 people were killed, Sheikh Hasina’s government was toppled on 5 August 2024.

The interim government led by Yunus pledged to restore democratic principles and respect for human rights before holding a free and fair general election. The new government has taken several positive steps, but these recent measures are disappointing.

These moves came in the wake of the interim government’s ordinance amending the International Crimes (Tribunals) Act, 1973, which gives the Tribunal broad powers to prosecute and dismantle political organisations.

The new provision defines “organisation” expansively to include any political party or affiliated group, or individuals who are deemed to propagate or support their activities.

Because these powers are drafted so broadly, they could contravene international standards of due process and freedom of association.

Additionally, the Tribunal is empowered to punish “any group of individuals which, in the opinion of the Tribunal, propagates, supports, endorses, facilitates, or engages in the activities of such a [banned] party or entity.”

It also fails to distinguish between military and civilian commanders, which have different requirements for command responsibility under the Statute, referring only to a “superior officer”, a term left undefined in the text. In cases where the victim is killed, the death penalty would apply, although that is inherently abusive and incompatible with human rights and human dignity.​

 

[Saif]

ICT investigation agency granted power to arrest suspects

The International Crimes Tribunal has granted its investigation agency the authority to arrest the accused and suspects in cases related to crimes against humanity and war crimes.

www.thedailystar.net

ICT investigation agency granted power to arrest suspects

The International Crimes Tribunal has granted its investigation agency the authority to arrest the accused and suspects in cases related to crimes against humanity and war crimes.

The ICT-1 published its amended rules of procedure in a gazette last night, also allowing the investigation agency to carry out necessary operations.

Besides, the prosecutors will be able to execute any arrest warrant issued by the tribunal. The suspect has to be produced before the tribunal or any magistrate within 24 hours of the arrest.

"If the investigation officer has reason to believe that any offence has been committed, he/she shall proceed in person to the spot, investigate the facts and circumstances of the case and may arrest the accused(s)/suspected persons and make necessary discovery. The investigation officer may also seek assistance from the law enforcement agency in causing arrest, discovery and seizure," reads amended rule 6.

"The law enforcement agency or the investigation officer or the prosecutor performing the investigation under section 8(2) of the act shall execute the warrant of arrest issued by the tribunal," according to amended rules.

Section 8(2) reads, "Any person appointed as a Prosecutor is competent to act as an Investigation Officer and the provisions relating to investigation shall apply to such Prosecutor."

Additionally, if deemed necessary, investigation officers may obtain arrest warrants through the prosecution at any stage of an investigation or trial. Such warrants will be executed by the investigating officer, a law enforcement agency, or the prosecutor, as per section 8(2) of the act.

The gazette on International Crimes Tribunal-1 Rules of Procedure, 2010 (amendment, 2025) came weeks after the government included a provision in the ICT Act to hold the trial of political parties or any entity subordinate to, or affiliated to, or associated with such a party, or any group of individuals which, in the opinion of the tribunal, propagates, supports, endorses, facilitates, or engages in the activities of such a party or entity.

On May 10, the interim government amended the act amid protests by several political parties, including the National Citizen Party, to ban the activities of the Awami League and its trial in the tribunal on charges of atrocities committed in July last year.

The gazette further defines an "accused" as any person or organisation identified under section 2(bbb) of the act, against whom an investigation has commenced.

Section 2(bbb) defines organisations as "any political party, or any entity subordinate to, or affiliated to, or associated with such a party. or any group of individuals which, in the opinion of the Tribunal, propagates, supports, endorses, facilitates, or engages in the activities of such a party or entity."

In his reaction, co-coordinator of the ICT investigation agency, Muhammed Shahidullah Chowdhury said the agency's work would be easier now because they would no longer have to depend on law enforcement agencies to arrest a suspect or accused.​

 

[Saif]

Amended ICT rules of procedure narrates process of trying organisation

The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) has brought amendment to its rules of procedure, narrating the method of trying an organisation under the act. ICT prosecutor Gazi Monawar Hossain Tamim told BSS that the provision of trying and punishing an organisation was brought earlier by amending...

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Amended ICT rules of procedure narrates process of trying organisation
BSS Dhaka
Published: 23 May 2025, 22: 37

International Crimes Tribunal File photo

The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) has brought amendment to its rules of procedure, narrating the method of trying an organisation under the act.

ICT prosecutor Gazi Monawar Hossain Tamim told BSS that the provision of trying and punishing an organisation was brought earlier by amending the ICT Act, but this latest amendment, which will be called “International Crimes Tribunal-1 Rules of Procedure 2010 (Amendment), 2025” has explained the method of trying that organisation and those, from that accused organisation, can represent it at the tribunal during the trial.

“...if cognisance is taken against any organisation, summons/warrant shall be served upon the President/Chairman/Chairperson or Secretary of the person (s) in charge of the concerned organisation. The organisation shall be represented by its President/Chairman/Chairperson or Secretary or any other member of the executive committee and accordingly the said person(s) may be made liable, if deemed expedient by the Tribunal, to be inflicted with punishment for violation of or disobedience to any order of the Tribunal in relation to or arising out of any order passed under the Act and/or Rules,” the Rule-30 said.

Earlier on 22 May, the ICT-1 published the amended rules of procedure, keeping provision for the investigation officer or a prosecutor designated in probing a case, to arrest any accused or suspect.

“If the investigation officer has reason to believe that any offence has been committed, he shall proceed in person to the spot, investigate the facts and circumstances of the case and may arrest the accused(s)/suspected persons and make necessary discovery. The investigation officer may also seek assistance from the law enforcing agency in causing arrest, discovery and seizure,” said Rule-6 of the amended rules of procedure.

“But they have to produce the arrestee before the tribunal or any magistrate within 24 hours of the arrest,” prosecutor Tamim added.

“If any member of the Investigation Agency makes a petition to any Judicial Magistrate of the first class for recording any statement of witness, that Magistrate shall record such statement,” said Rule-24.

In line with the rules of procedure, the ICT chief prosecutor will be able to bring multiple accused under trial simultaneously or he will be able to try them separately. If multiple allegations are proved in the probe against a single accused, the chief prosecutor will be able to try multiple allegations simultaneously by filing a formal charge, the prosecutor further said.

Welcoming the amendment in the ICT rules of procedure, prosecutor Gazi Monawar Hossain Tamim said the prosecution believes this will help the tribunal become of more international standard.​

 

[Saif]

ICT orders notice in newspapers summoning Hasina in contempt case

The International Crimes Tribunal-1 on Sunday ordered the publication of a notice in two national newspapers summoning deposed prime minister Sheikh Hasina to appear before it within seven days to face contempt of court proceedings.

www.newagebd.net

ICT orders notice in newspapers summoning Hasina in contempt case
Staff Correspondent 25 May, 2025, 18:48

Sheikh Hasina | File photo

The International Crimes Tribunal-1 on Sunday ordered the publication of a notice in two national newspapers summoning deposed prime minister Sheikh Hasina to appear before it within seven days to face contempt of court proceedings.

The tribunal, chaired by Justice Golam Mortuza Mozumder, directed that the notice should be published in one Bangla-language and one English-language dailies to inform Hasina of the proceedings — deemed her final opportunity to respond in this regard.

The contempt charges stem from the allegations that the deposed prime minister repeatedly made provocative remarks during a phone conversation with an Awami League leader from Gaibandha, which prosecutors say amounted to obstruction of justice in the ongoing trial over the July 2024 mass uprising.

The tribunal fixed June 3 for the next hearing in the case.

The tribunal clarified that Hasina might respond to the charges either in person or through legal counsel.

ICT chief prosecutor Mohammad Tajul Islam argued during the hearing that while such notices were not always required, the publication was being ordered in the interest of ensuring fairness and transparency in the judicial process.

He urged the court to take action against Hasina if she failed to appear by the scheduled date.

Briefing reporters after the hearing, prosecutor Gazi Monowar Hossain Tamim said that the tribunal issued the notice based on a contempt petition filed by the ICT’s investigation agency.

The tribunal prosecutor accused Hasina — who fled to India on August 5, 2024 amid a student-led mass uprising that led to the ouster of her government — of obstructing judicial proceedings and making threats through remarks delivered abroad.

The prosecution said that the audio recording of the conversations was verified by forensic experts prior to filing the petition.

Earlier on May 11, the investigation agency of the International Crimes Tribunal submitted its investigation report against Sheikh Hasina, former home minister Asaduzzaman Khan, and former inspector general of police Chowdhury Abdullah Al Mamun over their alleged roles in committing atrocities during the 2024 July-August mass uprising.

This was the first-ever probe report against Hasina on her role during the mass uprising when over 1,500 people were killed and over 25,000 others received bullet injuries.

‘This is the first investigation report against her, despite her name being mentioned in hundreds of cases relating to enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, and other alleged crimes during her 15 years in power,’ said the tribunal’s chief prosecutor Mohammad Tajul Islam.

He expected that a formal charge sheet against Hasina and two of her associates would be submitted to the ICT in the first week of June as the prosecution would need some time to scrutinise the probe report.

He said that the investigators accused Hasina, also the president of the Awami League, of five counts of crimes against humanity, including abetment, facilitation, and conspiracy of crimes against humanity and failure to prevent the crimes committed during the student-led uprising.

Tajul said that the investigators made Sheikh Hasina the prime accused, instigator, and superior commander in masterminding, instigating, and ordering the atrocities between July 1, 2024 and August 5, 2024, the day when she was ousted from power and fled to India for shelter.​

 

[Saif]

ICT documents detail Hasina’s last stand before leaving Bangladesh

As per charges filed by Chief Prosecutor Tajul Islam at the Int’l Crimes Tribunal

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ICT documents detail Hasina’s last stand before leaving Bangladesh
Charges filed by Chief Prosecutor Tajul Islam at the Int’l Crimes Tribunal

File photo: Mahiya Tabassum/Star

Former prime minister Sheikh Hasina fled the country on August 5, last year following intense pressure from top military officials urging her to resign.

During a final exchange at Gono Bhaban, she reportedly reacted angrily to the request, saying, "Then shoot me dead and bury me in Gono Bhaban."

The incident has been formally documented in charges submitted by the prosecutors at the International Crimes Tribunal on Sunday, relating to crimes against humanity committed during the July uprising in Dhaka's Chankharpul area.

According to the tribunal's formal charges, Hasina remained adamant about holding onto power until the last moments.

Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Tajul Islam, while reading out formal charges in the tribunal, detailed the series of events leading up to Hasina's departure from the country.

In secret meetings on August 4 late night that carried forward past midnight, military officials urged her to step down, where she strongly ordered the crackdown on protesters.

The chiefs of all three services, and then inspector general of police Abdullah Al Mamun, were present at Gono Bhaban.

During the meeting, from 12:00am to around 12:15am on August 5, when Hasina's security adviser, Maj Gen (retd) Tarique Ahmed Siddique, raised the issue of the then PM's resignation, she became angry and said whatever happens, she would not resign, as per the charges.

Hasina reportedly ordered the army chief to suppress protests forcefully.

Tarique Siddique supported her stance, saying, "The army should fire on the protesters -- killing a few will end the unrest."

The Air Force chief at the time strongly opposed this suggestion, warning Hasina that Tarique had already led her down a path of disaster and was continuing doing so.

The charges mention a "gang of four" -- comprising Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader, former law minister Anisul Huq, Hasina's private industries and investment adviser Salman F Rahman, and former home minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal -- who urged Hasina on the night of August 4 that she "must not show weakness or compromise".

The state-run Bangladesh Television (BTV) was instructed to prepare for Hasina's speech in the morning.

On August 5 morning, Hasina went to Gono Bhaban at 9:00am.

Then IGP Abdullah Al Mamun and former cabinet secretary Mahbubur Rahman were waiting to meet her there along with the chiefs of three services, said the charges.

Commending the ex-IGP, Hasina asked why the army could not take stronger action.

However, Abdullah Al Mamun at the time reportedly responded, "We have no more weapons or ammunition. Our forces are exhausted."

This led military officials to once again urge Hasina to resign.

In frustration, she retorted, "Then just shoot me and bury me in Gono Bhaban!"

Then, the chiefs of services took her to another room and informed her of the ground situation.

They said the "Long March to Dhaka" was underway and she did not have much time, according to the charges.

Even Sheikh Rehana attempted to persuade her sister to step down but Hasina refused, according to the charges.

Military officials also contacted Hasina's son Sajeeb Wazed Joy, informing him that resignation was the only option.

After Joy spoke to his mother, she finally agreed to give up her power.

When Hasina wished to record a speech for television before leaving, military officials gave her only 45 minutes to pack her things, saying that the procession of millions of students and people heading towards Gono Bhaban will reach there by that time.

By 11:00am on August 5, the military informed BTV that Chief of Army Staff General Waker-Uz-Zaman would address the nation at 2:00pm.

Reports indicate that at 4:00pm, shortly before the televised speech, Hasina fled the country for India.​

 

[Saif]

Formal charges against Sheikh Hasina to be filed tomorrow: Chief Prosecutor

Chief prosecutor of the International Crimes Tribunal, Tajul Islam, said that formal charges will be filed against the ousted formerPrime Minister Sheikh Hasina tomorrow, Sunday. He made the disclosure at a discussion meeting titled 'Immediately Bring Those Involved in Enforced Disappearances...

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Formal charges against Sheikh Hasina to be filed tomorrow: Chief Prosecutor
Staff Correspondent Dhaka
Published: 31 May 2025, 15: 50

Today, Saturday, the human rights organisation Odhikar organised a discussion meeting in memory of the victims of enforced disappearances. Chief Prosecutor of the International Crimes Tribunal, Tajul Islam, spoke at the event. The programme was held at the National Press Club today, 31 May. Prothom Alo

Chief prosecutor of the International Crimes Tribunal, Tajul Islam, said that formal charges will be filed against the ousted former prime minister Sheikh Hasina tomorrow, Sunday.

He made this disclosure at a discussion meeting titled 'Bring those involved in enforced disappearances to justice immediately,' held at the National Press Club today, Saturday.

The human rights organisation Odhikar organised this as part of the International Week of the Disappeared, which is observed from 17 to 31 May.

Tajul Islam said, "We are determined to move forward with the judicial process."

He referred to Sheikh Hasina as the “nucleus of enforced disappearances and the ‘Ayna Ghar’ (secret detention centre).” He stated that significant progress in the trial process would be visible by December.

He further said that the judicial process is moving ahead at full speed, but completing the investigation will take a reasonable amount of time.

Tajul Islam mentioned that investigations into 10 to 15 major cases of enforced disappearances have already been completed. He added that the reports will be available by June.

Stating that many of the obstacles to the trial process have been removed, the chief prosecutor said that the International Crimes Tribunal has broadly identified the structure of the crimes and those responsible.

However, some obstacles remain in arresting those involved in the disappearances. “We are working to ensure the arrests,” he said.

Tajul Islam also noted that they are proceeding with great caution in the trial process.

He emphasised that they are committed to upholding international standards of justice and human rights, and are careful about avoiding any miscarriage of justice, as has happened in the past.​

 

[Saif]

Sheikh Hasina, Assaduzzaman Khan face arrest warrants

The ICT issued arrest warrants against the ousted Prime Minister of the Awami League, Sheikh Hasina, and the then Home Minister, Asaduzzaman Khan.

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Sheikh Hasina, Assaduzzaman Khan face arrest warrants
Staff Correspondent Dhaka
Published: 01 Jun 2025, 16: 03

Combination of photos shows Asaduzzaman Khan (L) and Sheikh Hasina (R) with the signage of International Crimes Tribunal in the background.

The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) has issued arrest warrants against the ousted Prime Minister of Awami League, Sheikh Hasina, and the then Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan in a case over crimes against humanity committed during the July mass uprising.

A three-member tribunal, led by Justice Md Golam Mortuza Mozumder, issued the order today, Sunday. The other two members of the tribunal are Justice Md Shafiul Alam Mahmud and retired district and sessions judge Md Mohitul Haque Enam Chowdhury.

Currently, the then-Inspector General of Police (IGP) Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun is behind bars in this case, while Sheikh Hasina and Asaduzzaman Khan have fled the country. The tribunal ordered all three accused to be presented before the court on 16 June.

The ICT was reconstituted following the July mass uprising. After that, the first miscellaneous case regarding the incident was filed in the tribunal. As the formal charge was submitted in this case today, Sunday, the tribunal registered it as a case. A total of five charges were brought against Sheikh Hasina and the other two accused.

On 12 May, the tribunal's investigation agency submitted the investigation report to the Chief Prosecutor’s Office in this case.

As per procedure, the tribunal’s investigation agency first submits the investigation report to the Chief Prosecutor’s Office. Then, the Chief Prosecutor reviews the report and submits it to the tribunal as a formal charge.

A total of three cases were filed against Sheikh Hasina in the reconstituted tribunal. Among them, a formal charge has now been submitted in the case over crimes against humanity during the July mass uprising.

Besides, she was also named in a case over enforced disappearances and killings during the 15 and a half years of Awami League rule. Another case against her involves the killing incident at the Hefazat-e-Islam rally at Shapla Chattar in Motijheel, Dhaka.​

 

[Saif]

ICT fixes June 19 to hear contempt of court petition filed against Hasina

The case stems from a leaked phone conversation that circulated on social media last year

www.thedailystar.net

ICT fixes June 19 to hear contempt of court petition filed against Hasina
charges against Sheikh Hasina at ICT

File photo

The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT)-1 has set June 19 to hear the prosecution's petition seeking contempt of court proceedings against ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina for her remarks made in a telephonic conversation with a party leader.

Although the ICT had scheduled today for the hearing, Hasina and the other alleged contemnors neither appeared before the tribunal nor responded through their lawyers, despite issuance of notice and publishing a circular in two newspapers asking them to appear before the tribunal or have their lawyer respond.

The case stems from a leaked phone conversation that circulated on social media last year before being picked up by several mainstream media outlets.

In the audio clip, Hasina is allegedly heard telling former Gobindaganj Upazila Parishad Chairman Shakil Akanda Bulbul that "I have had 227 cases filed against me, so I have received a licence to kill 227 people."

The tribunal considers this statement contemptuous after a petition was filed in this regard on April 30 this year.

After the court proceedings, Chief Prosecutor Tajul Islam said, "The tribunal gave the contemnors another chance and fixed June 19 for a full hearing of the matter and to dispose of it or issue an order."

Besides, the tribunal today issued arrest warrants against four accused, including Habibur Rahman, former commissioner of Dhaka Metropolitan Police, in a case filed for crimes against humanity over the killing of six protesters in the city's Chankharpul on August 5 last year.

Three other accused are Sudip Kumar Chakraborty, the then DMP joint commissioner; Shah Alam Mohammad Akhtarul Islam, former additional deputy commissioner; and Mohammad Imrul, former assistant commissioner of Ramna Zone of DMP.

One May 25, the tribunal took cognisance of charges against the eight police officers, including the four, in the case and fixed today to produce the previously arrested four accused and instructed the four absconding officers, including Habibur, to appear before it.

As the four absconding police officers failed to appear before the tribunal today, the court ordered that a summons be published in two national daily newspapers tomorrow, directing them to appear before the court on June 22.

Accused former inspector Arshad Hossain and constables Sujon Hossain, Imaz Hossain, and Nasirul Islam were produced before the court today.

Meanwhile, the tribunal set June 23 for a hearing on a petition seeking treatment of former Awami League minister Faruk Khan at the Combined Military Hospital.

The tribunal issued the order after Faruk Khan's counsel Mustafizur Rahman Khan placed a medical report, prepared by the jail authorities as instructed by the tribunal, on the health condition of his client.

Faruk Khan is in jail custody and is an accused in a case filed against 45, including several ministers, over crimes against humanity committed during the July uprising.​

 

[Saif]

ABU SAYEED, 2 OTHER MURDER CASES: ICT extends investigation deadlines

The International Crimes Tribunal on Sunday granted more time to the Investigation Agency to complete its probe into the killing of Begum Rokeya University, Rangpur student Abu Sayeed and two other murder cases related to the 2024 mass uprising.

www.newagebd.net

ABU SAYEED, 2 OTHER MURDER CASES: ICT extends investigation deadlines
Staff Correspondent 15 June, 2025, 16:19

The International Crimes Tribunal on Sunday granted more time to the Investigation Agency to complete its probe into the killing of Begum Rokeya University, Rangpur student Abu Sayeed and two other murder cases related to the 2024 mass uprising.

The tribunal asked the agency to submit its report in the Abu Sayeed case by July 14, extending the earlier deadline of June 15.

The tribunal set the date for responding to prosecutor SM Moinul Karim’s plea to allow the agency two more weeks.

The prosecutor submitted that the investigation was in its final stage.

Abu Sayeed was shot by the police on July 16, 2024, during a nationwide student protest against the quota system in government jobs.

His death intensified the movement that eventually led to the fall of the Sheikh Hasina-led Awami League regime on August 5, 2024.

On January 13, a complaint was filed with the tribunal accusing 24 people on charge of crimes against humanity for Abu Sayeed killing.

Former home minister Asaduzzaman Khan, former Begum Rokeya University vice-chancellor Hasibur Rashid and other high-ranking officials and student leaders were among the accused named in the complaint.

Sayeed’s brother Ramjan Ali filed the complaint at the office of the tribunal’s chief prosecutor.

Four of the accused, former BRUR proctor Shafiul Islam, Chhatra League leader Imran Chowdhury Akash, sub-inspector Amir Hossain and constable Sujan Chandra Roy, who were arrested so far in the case were produced before the tribunal on Sunday.

In a separate case, the tribunal set August 17 as the new deadline for completing the investigation into the killing of Ridoy Miah, a college student shot dead in Konabari of Gazipur on August 5, 2024.

Sunday was set for submitting the investigation report in the case but the prosecution sought more time for a detailed investigation.

The accused in the case include five former police officials, former Konabari OC AKM Ashraf Uddin, former Gazipur DB inspector Shafikul Islam, and constables Akram Hossain, Fahim Hasan, and Mahmudul Hasan.

Ridoy, a Class-XI student from Tangail, was killed on August 5, 2024, while working part-time as an auto-rickshaw driver. His cousin Md Ibrahim later filed two cases — one with Konabari police and another with the ICT.

The tribunal, responding to another prosecution plea, also extended the probe deadline in another case involving the Jatrabari killings, setting August 17 for the submission of the report.

The prosecutors said that the investigators needed to interview madrasa students, many of whom were now on Eid vacation.

Former assistant commissioner Tanzil Ahmed and former OC Abdul Hasan were produced before the tribunal in the case.

As of April 11, the Office of the Chief Prosecutor has received 339 complaints related to alleged crimes against humanity committed during the July–August 2024 mass uprising, said Gazi Monowar Hossain Tamim, the tribunal’s prosecutor for administration.

Out of these, investigators have selected 39 cases for detailed investigation.

Formal charges have been submitted in two of the 39 cases, and the Investigation Agency has sought arrest warrants against accused people in 22 cases, Tamim added.

One of the key cases involves the Chankharpool killings, in which eight individuals, including former Dhaka Metropolitan Police Commissioner Habibur Rahman, have been accused.

The list of accused people also include deposed prime minister Sheikh Hasina, former home minister Asaduzzaman Khan, and former inspector general of police Chowdhury Abdullah Al Mamun.​

 

[Saif]

ICT orders public summons for Hasina, Asaduzzaman Kamal

ICT on Monday ordered the authorities concerned to issue public notices in two newspapers summoning Sheikh Hasina and former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal

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ICT orders public summons for Hasina, Asaduzzaman Kamal
UNB
Updated: 16 Jun 2025, 15: 50

A collage of the ICT logo and Sheikh Hasina File photo

The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) on Monday ordered the authorities concerned to issue public notices in two newspapers summoning former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and former Home Affairs Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal to appear before the court in a case over the July-August uprising.

A three-member bench, led by Chairman Justice Md Golam Mortuza Majumder, passed the order after a hearing in this regard, said the ICT's Chief Prosecutor Advocate Md Tajul Islam.

He said the court ordered the notice be published in one Bengali and another English newspaper.

Taking five charges into cognizance against the accused, including Sheikh Hasina, the court also set 24 June for the next hearing in the case.

The court also reissued arrest warrants for those who are absconding.

Earlier in the day, former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun was produced before the tribunal.

Following the hearing, the court ordered the publication of summons for Sheikh Hasina and Asaduzzaman Kamal as they have been absconding.

The chief prosecutor formally submitted the charges against Hasina, accusing her of responsibility for atrocities during the July-August pro-democracy uprising.

According to the case statement, nearly 1500 people were killed during last year's anti-government movement in the country.

Amid intense protests on 5 August last year, then Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina fled the country and took shelter in India.

Nobel Laureate Dr Muhammad Yunus later assumed power and restructured the tribunal to prosecute those accused of mass killings, with the first case filed against Hasina.

Following a six-month investigation, the tribunal's agency submitted its final report on 12 May and formally presented it before the court on Sunday.​

 

[Saif]

Crude bomb explodes again near ICT gate

A crude bomb exploded near the gate of the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT), adjacent to the Shishu Academy in the capital, on Monday morning.

en.prothomalo.com

Crude bomb explodes again near ICT gate
Staff Correspondent Dhaka
Published: 16 Jun 2025, 17: 38

International Crimes Tribunal File photo

A crude bomb exploded near the gate of the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT), adjacent to the Shishu Academy in the capital, on Monday morning.

Shahbagh police station officer-in-charge (OC) Khalid Mansur confirmed the matter to Prothom Alo.

He said a crude bomb exploded on the paved road in front of the tribunal around 5:25 am today, while another was found unexploded.

Khalid Mansur said that legal proceedings are underway regarding the incident, and none has yet been identified.

The ICT conducted hearings in a case filed against ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina over crimes against humanity committed during the July mass uprising.

Former home minister Asaduzzaman Khan and then Inspector General of Police (IGP) Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun are also accused in the case.

The explosion occurred in the morning hours before the scheduled hearing of this case.

Earlier on 1 June, ‘crude bomb-like firecracker’ also exploded on the same place before the hearing of this case, according to the Shahbagh police.

Regarding the previous incident, OC Khalid Mansur told Prothom Alo that a general diary (GD) was filed, but no arrests have been made yet. However, efforts are ongoing.

Chief prosecutor’s remarks on explosion

Chief prosecutor Md Tajul Islam spoke to journalists after today's hearing in the case against Sheikh Hasina.

Replying to a query on whether the crude bomb explosion on the day of Sheikh Hasina’s case hearing was an attempt to obstruct the trial proceedings, Tajul Islam said, “We are not taking these incidents seriously. The law enforcement agencies will deal it. The judicial process for the crimes committed in Bangladesh will move forward smoothly. If anyone tries to obstruct this process or engage in unlawful activities, appropriate legal action will be taken.”​

 

[Saif]

Charge hearing against Hasina, 2 aides July 1

The International Crimes Tribunal-1 on Tuesday set July 1 for hearing charges against ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina and two of her associates in a crimes against humanity case over the 2024 July–August mass uprising.

www.newagebd.net

ICT CASE OVER JULY UPRISING ATROCITIES
Charge hearing against Hasina, 2 aides July 1
M Moneruzzaman 24 June, 2025, 14:42

Sheikh Hasina. | UNB photo

The International Crimes Tribunal-1 on Tuesday set July 1 for hearing charges against ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina and two of her associates in a crimes against humanity case over the 2024 July–August mass uprising.

The two associates of Hasina, named in the case, are former home minister Asaduzzaman Khan and former inspector general of police Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun.

Hasina and Asaduzzaman are still absconding and Mamun is now in jail.

The charges against the trio include murder, attempted murder, torture, and use of lethal weapons on the protesters during the mass uprising that ousted the Sheikh Hasina-led Awami League regime on August 5, 2024.

The tribunal, comprising Justice Md Golam Mortuza Mozumder, Justice Md Shofiul Alam Mahmood, and retired district judge Md Muhitul Hoque Anam Chawdhury, also appointed Dhaka Judges Court-based lawyer Amir Hossain as the state defence counsel for Hasina and Asaduzzaman.

Lawyer Amir Hossain is known for his affiliation with the Awami League.

The lawyer served as the special public prosecutor of the Dhaka Special Judge Court-8 until the law ministry cancelled the appointments of all prosecutors of the ousted Awami League regime through a single notification, months after the interim government assumed power on August 8, 2024.

In a separate case, the tribunal extended the deadline by two months to submit the probe report in the case of enforced disappearances involving 12 accused including Sheikh Hasina, detained retired army officer Ziaul Ahsan, and 10 others.

The tribunal also extended the deadline by one week for submitting the probe report in the Ashulia case against 16 police officials and their associates, accused of killing six people during the 2024 student-led mass uprising.

The tribunal set August 24 for the submission of the probe report in the enforced disappearance case.

Among the accused are Hasina’s former defence adviser Tarique Ahmed Siddique, former IGP Benazir Ahmed, retired lieutenant colonel Moksurul Haque, former CTTC chief Md Asaduzzaman, and five former DGFI chiefs—Lieutenant General (retired) Md Akbar Hossain, Major General (retired) Md Saiful Abedin, Lieutenant General (retired) Md Saiful Alam, Lieutenant General (retired) Ahmed Tabrez Shams Chowdhury, and Major General (retired) Hamidul Huq—as well as former CTIB director Major General (retired) Mohammad Towhid-ul-Islam.

All 12 are accused of abducting and disappearing several individuals during the Awami League’s 15-year rule. The victims include indigenous rights activist Michael Chakma, former brigadier general Abdullahil Amaan Azmi, and Supreme Court lawyer Ahmad Bin Kashem Arman.

The tribunal also scheduled a hearing for Wednesday to take legal opinion from Supreme Court lawyer AY Mashiuzzaman, acting as amicus curiae, in a contempt case against Hasina and Gobindaganj Awami League leader Shakil Akand Bulbul.

In the same case, state-appointed lawyer Aminul Gani Titu is expected to defend the two absconding accused, Hasina and Shakil, in Wednesday’s hearing.

The contempt charges stem from a phone call between Hasina and Shakil, in which Hasina allegedly made provocative comments from India intending to obstruct the tribunal’s upcoming proceedings.

The tribunal also set July 2 for submission of the investigation report in the Ashulia crimes against humanity case.

Prosecutor Md Saimum Talukder Pias sought two weeks’ time, citing that they had received the investigation report but they needed more time to review the large volume of evidence.

The case names 16 accused, including former Awami League lawmaker for Dhaka-19 constituency Saiful Islam, dismissed additional superintendent of police Abdullah Al Kafi, former Savar circle additional SP Md Shahidul Islam, former Ashulia police inspector AFM Sayeed Roni, DB north inspector Md Arafat Hossain Arju, former assistant sub-inspectors Abdul Malek, Arafat Uddin, Sheikh Afzalul Haque, Biswajit Saha and Kamrul Hasan and former constable Mukul Chandra.

Eight out of the 11 accused, now detained in jail, include Kafi, Shahidul, Arafat Arju, Malek, Arafat Uddin, Afzal, Kamrul and Mukul.

Saimum said that the prosecution withheld the names of five other absconding accused, saying that they might go into hiding if identified in the media.

He said that the investigation agency started probing the Ashulia case on October 6, 2024 based on several complaints received by the office of the chief prosecutor.​

 

[Saif]

Hasina among 30 named in ICT probe

The Investigation Agency of the International Crimes Tribunal on Thursday submitted a probe report accusing 30 people, including ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina, of crimes against humanity committed during the July 2024 mass uprising in Rangpur...

www.newagebd.net

ABU SAYEED MURDER
Hasina among 30 named in ICT probe
M Moneruzzaman 26 June, 2025, 12:53

The Investigation Agency of the International Crimes Tribunal on Thursday submitted a probe report accusing 30 people, including ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina, of crimes against humanity committed during the July 2024 mass uprising in Rangpur.

The charges include that of killing Abu Sayeed, a student of Begum Rokeya University, Rangpur, who died on the university campus on July 16, 2024 during nationwide protests against discrimination.

Abu Sayeed, coordinator of the Student Movement Against Discrimination at the university, was shot in the chest when police opened fire. He died on the spot.

His killing sparked outrage across the country and intensified the student-led protests that eventually led to the overthrow of the Sheikh Hasina-led Awami League regime on August 5, 2024.

Prosecutor Mizanul Islam told reporters during the briefing at the ICT building on Thursday that the Chief Prosecutor’s Office received the investigation report on Thursday morning.

Formal charges against 30 individuals would be submitted to the International Crimes Tribunal-2, headed by Justice Nozrul Islam Chowdhury, on Sunday, he said.

‘Sheikh Hasina will be named in the charges as an instigator and for issuing orders in the crimes against humanity,’ said Mizanul, responding to a question.

He declined to disclose the names of the other 29 accused before the charges were formally submitted to the tribunal.

Mizanul said that the accusation was what Hasina faced a second formal charge as the ICT investigated July–August uprising cases.

He said that four of the accused -- former BRUR proctor Shariful Islam, Chhatra League leader Imran Chowdhury Akash, sub-inspector Amir Hossain, and constable Sujan Chandra Roy -- were now detained in custody.

On January 13, Abu Sayeed’s brother Ramjan Ali filed a complaint with the chief prosecutor’s office, accusing 24 named and 130 to 135 unidentified individuals of involvement in crimes against humanity committed in Rangpur.

The investigation agency later added six more names, including Sheikh Hasina, for their alleged supervisory roles in the incident, during the course of the investigation.

Abu Sayeed’s brother Ramjan Ali alleged that senior government officials, and leaders and activists of the ruling party’s student wing, Chhatra League, at the university orchestrated the attack.

The 24 accused in Ramjan Ali’s complaint include former home minister Asaduzzaman Khan, the university proctor and political science department associate professor Shariful Islam, mathematics department associate professor Md Mashiur Rahman, public administration department associate professor Asaduzzaman Mondal, former inspector general of police Abdullah Al Mamun, former Rangpur Metropolitan Police commissioner Md Moniruzzaman, former deputy inspector general of police of Rangpur Division Md Abdul Baten, Rangpur Metropolitan Police commissioner Md Abu Maruf Hossain, additional deputy commissioner Md Shah Nur Alam Patwari, who later promoted to superintendent of police, RMP assistant commissioners Md Arifuzzaman (Kotwali zone) and Md Al Imran Hossain, Tajhat police station officer-in-charge Rabiul Islam, the university’s police outpost in-charge and sub-inspector Bibhuti Bhusan Roy, assistant sub-inspector of police Amir Ali, constable Sujan Chandra Roy, sub-inspector Tariqul Islam who prepared Sayeed’s inquest report, executive magistrate and assistant commissioner (land) for Rangpur Ahmed Sadat, who put their signatures on the inquest report, the university’s lower class employee Nurunnabi and proctor office employee Rafiul Hasan Rasel.

The BRUR unit Chhatra League leaders named in the case include BCL president Pomel Barua, BCL general secretary Shamim Mahfuz, and organising secretary Dhanojoy Kumar Tagore.

On August 18, 2024, Ramjan Ali also filed a complaint against the same 24 individuals with the court of the chief judicial magistrate in Rangpur over the killing of Abu Sayeed.

Earlier, the police had filed a murder case against unidentified individuals over Abu Sayeed’s death with the Tajhat police station on July 16, 2024.

The case over Abu Sayeed’s killing includes the second formal charge against Sheikh Hasina and the third case filed against her under the reconstituted two International Crimes Tribunals by the interim government led by Professor Mohammad Yunus.

According to prosecutors, Hasina’s name has appeared in hundreds of complaints involving enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, and other serious human rights violations during her 15-year rule. These complaints are still pending with the tribunal for investigation.

Hasina is also facing a trial in absentia in a case over contempt of court.

The hearing in the case over the killing of Abu Sayeed is scheduled for July. The tribunal-1 has appointed a Supreme Court lawyer as amicus curiae and a state defence lawyer to represent Hasina.

A separate case against Hasina, former home minister Asaduzzaman Khan, and former police chief Chowdhury Abdullah Al Mamun — linked to the July 2024 mass uprising — is set for a hearing on July 1.

The tribunal will decide whether to frame formal charges in that case.

Prosecutor Gazi Monowar Hossain Tamim on Thursday said that the Chief Prosecutor’s Office had received 340 complaints related to crimes against humanity during the July–August 2024 uprising. Investigators have shortlisted 41 of these cases for detailed investigation.

So far, formal charges have been submitted in two of the 41 cases while arrest warrants have been sought in 22 cases, Tamim added.

One of the other major cases involves the capital city’s Chankharpool killings, where eight people, including former Dhaka Metropolitan Police Commissioner Habibur Rahman, have been charged.

The tribunal is scheduled to hear the Chankharpool case on Sunday.​

 

[Saif]

Preliminary probes to clear trumped up case accused: Asif Nazrul

Law Adviser Professor Asif Nazrul disclosed this at a press briefing at the Foreign Service Academy in Dhaka, following a meeting of the Advisory Council.

en.prothomalo.com

Preliminary probes to clear trumped up case accused: Asif Nazrul
Staff Correspondent Dhaka
Published: 29 Jun 2025, 22: 28

Law Adviser Asif Nazrul speaks at a press briefing at the Foreign Service Academy in Dhaka on 29 June 2025. Dipu Malakar

The advisory council of the interim government on Sunday approved an amendment to the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), incorporating a provision to clear the accused in trumped up cases at the preliminary investigation stage if no involvement is found.

Law adviser professor Asif Nazrul disclosed this at a press briefing at the Foreign Service Academy in Dhaka, following a meeting of the advisory council.

Asif Nazrul said the new provision states: if a commissioner, superintendent of police (SP), or a police officer of equivalent rank believes it is rational to seek a preliminary report from an investigating officer regarding a case under their jurisdiction, they may do so.

Once the report is prepared, the officer will be instructed to submit it to a magistrate. If the magistrate finds that someone has been wrongfully implicated in the case without credible evidence, the magistrate then may release the person immediately, he added.

The law adviser further said, “We expect that our police administration and judicial administration will work together. In cases where arrests or lawsuits are being misused to make money, the courts can free individuals at the pre-trial stage.”

He hoped that if this initiative is implemented, many innocent people will be spared from harassment.

He said that this would also provide relief from the trade of filing false lawsuits, but this does not mean investigations will be halted. Investigations will continue. If the police later find credible evidence against someone who was previously cleared, that person’s name can be added to the case.​