[🇧🇩] The International Crimes Tribunal-1----Charging Hasina and her accomplices

[Saif]

Nation on alert as ICT set to deliver verdict in Hasina’s case

Security has been tightened across the country, particularly in and around the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) in Dhaka, ahead of Monday’s verdict in a high-profile case of crimes against humanity. The tribunal is set to deliver its judgement on cases against former Prime Minister Sheikh

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Nation on alert as ICT set to deliver verdict in Hasina’s case
UNB
Published :
Nov 16, 2025 21:31

Security has been tightened across the country, particularly in and around the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) in Dhaka, ahead of Monday’s verdict in a high-profile case of crimes against humanity.

The tribunal is set to deliver its judgement on cases against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and two others, who stand accused of crimes against humanity committed during last year’s July-August uprising.

The verdict will be delivered amid fresh tensions as a series of arson and crude bomb attacks were reported in Dhaka, Savar, Kushtia, Gazipur and other parts of the country.

Awami League, whose activities remain banned in Bangladesh, called for a ‘complete shutdown’ on Sunday and Monday in protest citing several demands including the cancellation of the tribunal’s proceedings.

Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) has been deployed in Dhaka, Gopalganj, Faridpur and Madaripur districts to ensure overall security and maintain law and order.

Two other accused in the case are former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan and former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun. Mamun testified as a state witness.

The prosecution has claimed all five charges against Hasina and other accused have been proven and sought the maximum punishment.

In a press briefing on November 13, Chief Prosecutor Md Tajul Islam said they have appealed to the court for the highest penalty.

On the other hand, state-appointed lawyer Md Amir Hossain has sought acquittal for both Hasina and Asaduzzaman Khan, while Mamun’s lawyer Zayed Bin Amjad has also sought his acquittal.

Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury on Sunday said whatever verdict the tribunal delivers in case against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Monday will be executed and people will accept it.

Law enforcement agencies are fully prepared to prevent any untoward incident centering the verdict, he said.

Bangladesh Television (BTV) will broadcast the verdict live.

The live verdict will be shown via giant screen at 10 spots of the Dhaka, said MH Tamim, a prosecutor of the ICT.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Sunday urged people and political parties to resist the ‘vested quarter’ that, he alleged, is trying to create anarchy ahead of Monday’s verdict in the case filed against ‘fascist Sheikh Hasina for committing genocide’.

“The verdict in the trial over the genocide committed by fascist Hasina will be delivered tomorrow (Monday). Extreme uncertainty and fear are now prevailing across the entire country because of this,” Fakhrul said at a discussion in Dhaka.

The UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in its report on February 12 said Bangladesh’s previous government and security and intelligence services, alongside violent elements associated with the Awami League, systematically engaged in a range of serious human rights violations during last year’s student-led protests.

Based on deaths reported by various credible sources, the report estimates that as many as 1,400 people may have been killed between 15 July and 5 August, and thousands were injured, the vast majority of whom were shot by Bangladesh’s security forces. it said.

Initially, Sheikh Hasina was the sole accused in the case.

On March 16 this year, the prosecution appealed to include former IGP Mamun as an accused alongside Sheikh Hasina and the tribunal approved it.

After the Awami League government was toppled on August 5, 2024, the ICT was reconstituted.

The first case in the reconstituted tribunal concerned alleged crimes against humanity during the July uprising, with Sheikh Hasina as the accused.

The tribunal conducted its first hearing on October 17 last year, issuing an arrest warrant against Hasina that day.

After extending the deadline several times, the tribunal’s investigation agency submitted its final probe report to the Chief Prosecutor’s Office on May 12 this year.

On June 1, the prosecution formally filed charges against Sheikh Hasina and the two accused.

The charges include inciting violence in a press conference at Ganabhaban on 14 July 2024, ordering the elimination of protestors using helicopters, drones, and lethal weapons, shooting death of student Abu Sayed at Begum Rokeya University, Rangpur, killing of six protestors at Chankharpul, Dhaka and burning of six people to death in Ashulia.

The tribunal formally framed these charges on July 10.

Hasina and Asaduzzaman remain at large, while former IGP Mamun is the only arrested accused.

On the day the charges were framed, Mamun admitted his involvement in crimes against humanity during the uprising and applied to testify as a state witness.

Arguments in the case began on October 12 and concluded on October 23.

Relatives of victims, including the father of martyr Abu Sayed testified in the case, along with key witnesses including Nahid Islam, Convener of National Citizen Party (NCP) and Amar Desh editor Dr Mahmudur Rahman.

In total, 54 witnesses testified during the trial.​

 

[Saif]

‘You could also be an accused’: Chief prosecutor-defence clash at ICT-1

Ziaul’s lawyer says interrogation rules were violated; Tajul denies all claims

www.thedailystar.net

‘You could also be an accused’: Chief prosecutor-defence clash at ICT-1
Ziaul’s lawyer says interrogation rules were violated; Tajul denies all claims

Tajul Islam

A heated exchange took place at the International Crimes Tribunal-1 today when Chief Prosecutor Tajul Islam warned defence lawyer Nazneen Nahar, who represents Maj Gen (relieved) Ziaul Ahsan, that she could also face charges.

"You stay silent. Do not talk. You can also be an accused. We are getting allegations against you from different places," Tajul said to Nazneen during the hearing.

This happened after Nazneen told the tribunal that she had been blocked from attending her client's interrogation at a safe house, even though the law allows a lawyer to be present. "I was not informed, and I was not allowed in," she said.

Tribunal Chair Justice Md Golam Mortuza Mozumder stepped in and reminded Tajul that Nazneen was appearing as a lawyer. But Tajul continued, saying that Ziaul -- who is accused of enforced disappearances -- had been involved in the "killings of around 1,000 people" and that he "dumped bodies in the Buriganga after cutting open their abdomens".

Nazneen then made several allegations against the investigators. She said the interrogation was "illegally" video-recorded, and that she was only allowed in during lunch breaks and then kept out again while the questioning continued.

She also said that Nabila Idris, a member of the Commission of Inquiry on Enforced Disappearances (CIED), questioned Ziaul even though the ICT Act does not allow this. Nazneen claimed Nabila threatened Ziaul by saying, "If you do not answer, your daughter will become an orphan."

Tajul strongly denied all these claims, calling them "blatant lies". The tribunal chair again told him to stay calm. Tajul argued that Nabila had the legal right to be present as part of CIED's fact-finding team and said video recording was needed "so that no one can falsely claim maltreatment."

When Nazneen filed a petition asking for a clear order that she must be informed and allowed to attend any future interrogation, Tajul said the petition should be rejected because it did not cite specific laws. He also claimed Nazneen was a family member of Ziaul and was "creating a lot of problems". He added that the prosecution would appeal to stop her from representing him.

Earlier, Nazneen asked the tribunal to direct jail authorities to let her get Ziaul's signature so a foreign lawyer could be appointed for his cases. Tajul opposed this, saying such steps require Bar Council approval.

When Nazneen argued she had been denied acc1ess to get the signatures, Tajul said, "You always shout. Your behaviour is offensive!"

Nazneen replied, "You are saying offensive things!"

Justice Mortuza said, "There's no need to get angry."

The tribunal allowed the process to go ahead, as long as legal procedures were followed.

Nazneen also asked the tribunal to order authorities to provide call records and SMS logs from two phone numbers used by Ziaul.

Tajul opposed this too, saying the investigation was still ongoing. The tribunal said releasing such information now could hamper the probe and told the defence to file these petitions after charges are framed.​

 

[Saif]

Tulip calls Bangladesh plot corruption verdict ‘predictable’, ‘farcical’

British MP Tulip Siddiq has rejected her sentence in Bangladesh on corruption charges, branding the verdict “flawed and farcical” and “as predictable as it is unjustified.” Speaking to the press, Tulip alleged that Bangladeshi authorities attempted to discredit her using &l

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Tulip calls Bangladesh plot corruption verdict ‘predictable’, ‘farcical’

bdnews24.com
Published :
Dec 01, 2025 22:20
Updated :
Dec 01, 2025 22:20

Sir Keir Starmer with a grinning Tulip Siddiq after Labour’s general election victory. Photo via The Telegraph

British MP Tulip Siddiq has rejected her sentence in Bangladesh on corruption charges, branding the verdict “flawed and farcical” and “as predictable as it is unjustified.”

Speaking to the press, Tulip alleged that Bangladeshi authorities attempted to discredit her using “fake” identity documents, a claim she reiterated after The Telegraph reported documents purporting to show her holding a Bangladeshi passport -- an assertion she denies.

The 43-year-old Hampstead & Highgate representative, who resigned from her UK ministerial role in January amid scrutiny over her family’s political ties, was sentenced in absentia to two years in prison on Monday over allegations that she manipulated her aunt, former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, to secure state land for her immediate family.

According to The Telegraph, The 43-year-old Hampstead & Highgate representative rejects the allegations outright, calling the proceedings “politically” driven and fundamentally “flawed”.

ALLEGATIONS AND VERDICT

A special court in Dhaka on Monday found Tulip guilty of “manipulating and influencing” her aunt, former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, to secure government plots for members of her immediate family.

Prosecutors said Tulip used her influence to persuade Hasina to arrange land allocations for Tulip’s mother Sheikh Rehana and her two siblings.

Mir Ahmed Ali Salam, of the prosecution, told The Times that a key witness against Tulip was Osman Goni, personal officer to Hasina’s former principal secretary. Osman testified that the MP had communicated through his superior regarding plot allocations.

Reuters reported that the plots -- part of a new township project, Purbachal New Town, intended to ease population pressures in Dhaka -- were unlawfully allocated through political influence and collusion with senior officials. Fourteen other defendants received five-year jail terms for their roles.

Tulip, Hasina and Rehana were each fined Tk 100,000, with another six months’ imprisonment if unpaid.

HASINA ALSO SENTENCED IN MULTIPLE CASES

The verdict comes amid a series of cases brought by the interim government against Hasina, who was ousted in Aug 2024 after weeks of student-led protests.

The Times reported that in the same corruption case Hasina and Rehana were sentenced to five and seven years respectively.

Last month, Hasina was also sentenced to death by the International Crimes Tribunal for ordering lethal crackdowns on protests -- charges she denies. She has been living in India since fleeing the country during the July Uprising.

CONCERNS OVER FAIR TRIAL

UK political figures and legal experts voiced deep alarm over the fairness of the process.

As reported by The Times, senior British lawyers -- including former attorney-general Dominic Grieve KC, former justice secretary Sir Robert Buckland KC, and Cherie Blair KC -- wrote to the Bangladeshi High Commission criticising what they described as a contrived and unjust procedure.

They said Tulip had not been informed of the charges, lacked access to legal representation, and that a lawyer appointed for her in Bangladesh had been pressured and placed under house arrest.

Both The Telegraph and Reuters reported that the UK Labour Party stated it “cannot recognise this judgment” due to Tulip’s lack of due process.

LABOUR TIES

Tulip’s political ties with Keir Starmer began in 2014, when she had already secured the Labour nomination for Hampstead and Kilburn and offered her support for his candidacy in the neighbouring seat of Holborn and St Pancras.

The duo entered Westminster on the same night in the 2015 general election.

Although they backed different contenders in that year’s leadership race, both were later brought onto Jeremy Corbyn’s front bench.

When Labour sought a new leader again in early 2020, Tulip was among the earliest MPs to publicly endorse Starmer, reported The Telegraph.

The Telegraph said she welcomed his eventual win, telling the Camden New Journal that he had remained “a good friend through thick and thin”.

Beyond their parliamentary roles, Tulip is widely regarded as one of the few MPs Starmer considers a personal friend rather than only a colleague, the British daily added.

He said so himself in 2018 while campaigning with her ahead of the local elections, praising his “good friend and colleague”.

Both families are also said to have spent time together privately, with The Telegraph suggesting joint family holidays.

EXTRADITION UNLIKELY

Britain and Bangladesh do not have an extradition treaty, making it improbable that the former UK government minister will serve the sentence unless she voluntarily returns to Bangladesh.

The Times noted that extradition remains theoretically possible through a direct appeal to the UK home secretary.​

 

[Saif]

Probe report in July crimes against humanity case against Joy, others received

The prosecution of the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) has received the probe report in a case filed over crimes against humanity committed during the July Mass Uprising against Sajeeb Wazed Joy and three others. "We have received the probe report over July Mass Uprising crimes against humanit

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Probe report in July crimes against humanity case against Joy, others received

BSS
Published :
Dec 03, 2025 20:12
Updated :
Dec 03, 2025 20:12

The prosecution of the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) has received the probe report in a case filed over crimes against humanity committed during the July Mass Uprising against Sajeeb Wazed Joy and three others.

"We have received the probe report over July Mass Uprising crimes against humanity against Sajeeb Wazed Joy, Zunaid Ahmed Palak, Salman F Rahman and Anisul Huq," prosecutor Gazi MH Tamim told newsmen.

Although the prosecutor declined to provide details, various media outlets have reported that Joy, former ICT affairs adviser to ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, and Palak have been accused of shutting down internet services nationwide during the uprising, thereby abetting the commission of crimes against humanity.

Anisul Huq and Salman F Rahman, meanwhile, have reportedly been accused of inciting mass killings and other crimes against humanity by imposing curfew at the time.​

 

[Saif]

‘Mind your language’: Panna and Tajul exchange words in ICT-1 courtroom

Court says Panna, appointed as Hasina’s defence counsel, can't withdraw without permission

www.thedailystar.net

‘Mind your language’: Panna and Tajul exchange words in ICT-1 courtroom
Court says Panna, appointed as Hasina’s defence counsel, can't withdraw without permission

The International Crimes Tribunal-1 today directed two deputy registrars to rush to the chamber of senior Supreme Court lawyer ZI Khan Panna -- earlier appointed by the court as defence counsel for Sheikh Hasina in an enforced disappearance case -- after he failed to appear at the hearing on charge framing.

The tribunal, visibly displeased, first halted proceedings and then ordered two deputy registrars to physically go to Panna's chamber and direct him to appear "immediately".

The hearing began with Chief Prosecutor Tajul Islam opening his submission on charge framing against 17 people, including Sheikh Hasina. However, Tribunal Chair Justice Md Golam Mortuza Mozumder abruptly stopped him, asking, "Has the defence lawyer withdrawn?"

Tribunal member Justice Md Shofiul Alam Mahmood asked, "Why is he not present today?"

Tajul informed the bench that Panna had written to the registrar expressing his withdrawal from the case. Justice Shofiul replied that such withdrawal required personal appearance: "He has to appear and explain."

The tribunal chair added, "Earlier, he was so interested, but now he is not. Just writing a letter to the registrar is not enough."

Tajul then noted that Panna had recently made "contemptuous" comments on social media.

The bench officer was asked to produce Panna's letter, which the chair read before remarking, "Does he not know the rules? He himself appeared and sought to be the defence lawyer for the No. 1 accused, and we accepted it."

Justice Mortuza ordered two deputy registrars to visit Panna's chamber and inform him, "The tribunal wants your presence right now."

Panna eventually arrived in a wheelchair. As he entered, Justice Mortuza reminded him, "You showed interest in defending Sheikh Hasina, and we appointed you."

"No," Panna replied. "The tribunal ordered orally, and I accepted orally."

Panna said he should have come in person to inform the court, but he was unwell.

The tribunal observed that the charge hearing was proceeding in his absence and would have to be re-heard once a new defence counsel was appointed. "You could have sent a representative," the chair said.

"I am unwell. I wanted to inform the court by appearing physically," Panna repeated.

Referring to a video the bench had received, Justice Shofiul said, "In the video, you were heard saying: 'My client, my leader does not accept this [tribunal's] judgement, then how could I go?' If your client has no faith, then why did you come? In the previous case against Sheikh Hasina, you came when the trial began."

Panna said he felt "sandwiched" between pressure from both his client and the opposing side. Smiling, the chair responded, "At this rate, you're going to have a heart attack from all the pressure."

Justice Mortuza continued, "We issued notices, but no one came. It's not written on anyone's forehead who is a good lawyer, so we appointed a senior one. Then you appeared midway and expressed interest, but by then we could not appoint you. We did not expect this kind of behaviour from you."

"I offer an unconditional apology," Panna replied.

The bench then pointed to lawyer Md Amir Hossain, present in the courtroom, saying they intended to appoint him as defence counsel and sought his consent. Amir, previously appointed as state defence counsel for Hasina and former home minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal in another crimes against humanity case, replied he would do as the tribunal directed.

The tribunal also asked other senior lawyers present whether they were interested.

At this point, Chief Prosecutor Tajul told the bench that Panna's comment -- "my client does not accept the trial" -- was contemptuous.

Justice Shofiul replied, "We have learned many things from you. We consider you an idol… You played an important role during the student-led July movement."

He then asked Panna, "Are we to assume you are in contact with her [Sheikh Hasina]? You cannot say, 'My client does not accept the tribunal, so I cannot appear.'"

Justice Mortuza again reminded him, "You know that once appointed, you cannot withdraw without the tribunal's permission. You may criticise a judge or a judgement, but you cannot defy the tribunal. The Constitution itself grants this tribunal an upper hand."

When Panna argued that his client insisted on the Constitution of 1972, the tribunal responded, "The Constitution is there. No other constitution was formulated in 1990 or at any other time."

As Tajul rose again to speak, Panna questioned why he was "jumping up." Tajul shot back, "Mind your language." The chair intervened, instructing Tajul to sit.

At one point, the tribunal chair remarked to Panna, "You are not in good health."

Tajul again referred to Panna's social media remarks. The chair responded, "We are overlooking what you have said, but do not make such comments in the future. People listen to the words of senior lawyers like you."​

 

[Saif]

ICT orders arrest of Joy

The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT)-1 on Thursday issued an arrest warrant against Sajeeb Wazed Joy, former ICT affairs adviser and son of ousted Bangladesh prime minister Sheikh Hasina, in a case lodged over crimes against humanity committed during...

www.newagebd.net

ICT orders arrest of Joy
Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha . Dhaka 04 December, 2025

Sajeeb Wazed Joy | BSS photo

The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT)-1 on Thursday issued an arrest warrant against Sajeeb Wazed Joy, former ICT affairs adviser and son of ousted Bangladesh prime minister Sheikh Hasina, in a case lodged over crimes against humanity committed during the July Mass Uprising.

The three-member tribunal, headed by Justice Golam Mortuza Mozumder, passed the order after taking cognisance of the formal charge brought against Joy and former state minister for ICT Division Zunaid Ahmed Palak.

The tribunal fixed December 10 for passing further orders in the case.

According to the formal charge, Joy and Palak are accused of shutting down nationwide internet services during the July uprising, allegedly facilitating the commission of crimes against humanity.

‘Palak, being the state minister for the ICT Division at the time, gave a status and made a post on his verified Facebook account after getting approval from Sheikh Hasina’s ICT affairs adviser Sajeeb Wazed Joy, hence instigating an unprecedented attack on the agitating students and people by police and Chhatra League cadres,’ the prosecution said.

Chief prosecutor Muhammad Tajul Islam said Palak, following the order and approval from Joy, first reduced the speed of mobile internet and subsequently shut it down to create an opportunity to detain, torture and kill the protesters.

‘He then gave a false statement regarding the shutdown of the internet and later blocked a couple of social networking sites like WhatsApp, Facebook and TikTok to keep the whole world in the dark regarding the horrific crimes that were taking place at the time.

‘The conspiracy to block the internet came from Sajeeb Wazed Joy. He made the decision after taking advice from his mother, Sheikh Hasina, and his decision was executed by Palak,’ the prosecution added.

The investigation agency of the tribunal on December 3 submitted the probe report against the accused.

‘We have received the probe report on the July Mass Uprising crimes against humanity against Sajeeb Wazed Joy, Zunaid Ahmed Palak, Salman F Rahman and Anisul Huq,’ prosecutor Gazi MH Tamim told newsmen last evening.

Sources said Anisul Huq and Salman F Rahman have also been accused of inciting mass killings and other crimes against humanity by imposing curfew at the time.​

 

[Saif]

ICT orders notice in newspapers to summon Sajeeb Wazed Joy

The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) on Wednesday ordered the publication of a notice in two national dailies to summon Sajeeb Wazed Joy, son of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, in a case related to crimes against humanity during the July-August uprising in 2024. A two-member judicial panel

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

ICT orders notice in newspapers to summon Sajeeb Wazed Joy

UNB
Published :
Dec 10, 2025 21:47
Updated :
Dec 10, 2025 21:47

The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) on Wednesday ordered the publication of a notice in two national dailies to summon Sajeeb Wazed Joy, son of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, in a case related to crimes against humanity during the July-August uprising in 2024.

A two-member judicial panel led by Chairman Justice Md. Golam Mortuza Majumder with Justice Md. Shafiul Alam Mahmud, issued the directive after hearing from Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Tajul Islam, who informed the tribunal that Joy, against whom an arrest warrant had been issued, was absconding.

The tribunal granted the prosecution’s application to publish the notice and fixed December 17 for the next hearing.

The other accused in the case, former ICT State Minister Zunaid Ahmed Palak, is in custody and was produced before the tribunal on Wednesday.

Lawyer Liton Ahmed stood on behalf of Palak.

The charges against Joy and Palak include concealing information about killings during the mass uprising by shutting down the internet, incitement to massacre, conspiracy, and involvement in the killings.​

 

[Saif]

ICT-1 takes cognisance of charges against Ziaul

The International Crimes Tribunal-1 on Wednesday took cognisance of formal charges against former National Telecommunication Monitoring Centre director general and retired major general Ziaul Ahsan for his alleged involvement in enforced disappearances and killing more than 100 people...

www.newagebd.net

ICT-1 takes cognisance of charges against Ziaul
M Moneruzzaman 18 December, 2025, 00:18

The International Crimes Tribunal-1 on Wednesday took cognisance of formal charges against former National Telecommunication Monitoring Centre director general and retired major general Ziaul Ahsan for his alleged involvement in enforced disappearances and killing more than 100 people.

The prosecution alleged that the crimes were committed mainly between 2009 and 2016 while Ziaul Ahsan was serving in the Rapid Action Battalion and holding commanding positions.

Chief prosecutor Muhammad Tajul Islam placed the formal charge before the three-member tribunal and urged it to take cognisance of three charges against the accused.

After hearing the prosecution, the tribunal, headed by Justice Md Golam Mortuza Mazumder, took the charges into cognisance on three counts and ordered the authorities to produce Ziaul Ahsan before the tribunal on December 21.

Ziaul Ahsan is currently in jail in connection with several other cases.

According to the first charge, Ziaul Ahsan allegedly planned and directly participated in the killing of Sazal and three unidentified people in a shooting at the Pubail Bypass Road in Gazipur on July 11, 2011.

The second charge relates to the killing and enforced disappearance of at least 50 people, including Nazrul Islam Mollick and Alkash. The prosecution said that the victims were killed and their bodies were dumped at the confluence of the Baleshwar River at Charduani under Patharghata upazila in Barguna district between 2010 and 2013.

The third charge accuses Ziaul Ahsan of killing at least 50 people, including Masud, during alleged operations against so-called pirates in different areas of Sundarban in Sarankhola of Bagerhat between 2010 and 2013.

The prosecution told the tribunal that separate investigations were ongoing against Ziaul Ahsan for the alleged killing of at least 200 people whose bodies were dumped into the Shitalakhya and Buriganga rivers using the so-called ‘Gestapo’ or ‘golf’ method.

He is also accused of involvement in the enforced disappearance of BNP leader Chowdhury Alam, Islami Chhatra Shibir leader Golam Mortuza Mihir and two others in 2010, BNP leader Elias Ali and his driver Ansar Ali in 2012, and Adabor thana Islami Chhatra Shibir president Hafez Zakir Hossain, who was later killed in 2013.

The prosecution further alleged that Ziaul Ahsan was involved in the killing of at least 61 unarmed and apolitical Hefazat-e-Islam supporters during the May 5, 2013 crackdown at Shapla Chattar in the capital.

He is also a suspect of enforced disappearance of seven others, including BNP leader Sazedul Islam Suman, and of the enforced disappearance of BNP leader Salahuddin Ahmed and his subsequent deportation to India in 2015.

According to the prosecution, Ziaul Ahsan was additionally involved in abduction, torture, enforced disappearances and killings during the July-August mass uprising. These crimes were allegedly facilitated through digital surveillance while he was serving as head of the NTMC.

Asked to comment Ziaul Ahsan’s sister and his lawyer Naznin Nahar termed the allegations a ‘cinema script’ and alleged that the media aired them as part of a planned campaign.​