Crimes against humanity: 21 cases ongoing, 2 await verdicts
The trials related to crimes against humanity committed during the July–August 2024 mass uprising have now reached a crucial stage. At the International Crimes Tribunal, 21 cases are currently under trial, while verdicts are pending in two cases.
One of the most high-profile cases, the murder of Shaheed Abu Sayed, a student of Begum Rokeya University in Rangpur, is scheduled for verdict on 9 April. The other pending case involves the killing of two youths who were shot while hanging from a cornice in Rampura.
Since the tribunal’s reconstitution, verdicts have been delivered in three cases. In these trials, 26 people, including the ousted former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, were sentenced, and one witness was pardoned.
Prosecutor Gazi MH Tamim confirmed that the two cases awaiting verdict are the Rangpur Abu Sayed murder case and the Rampura cornice shooting case, involving a total of 35 accused.
According to prosecutor Faruk Ahmed, formal charges have been filed in 24 cases (18 in Tribunal-1 and 6 in Tribunal-2). Of these, 21 cases are under trial (16 in Tribunal-1 and 5 in Tribunal-2), and verdicts have been delivered in three cases (2 in Tribunal-1 and 1 in Tribunal-2). Overall, 26 individuals have been sentenced, while 1 has been pardoned.
Across ongoing cases, there are 457 accused. Of these, 161 have been arrested, 293 are absconding, 1 has been granted bail, 1 has died, and 1 has been acquitted. Among those arrested, there are 74 civilians, including ministers and MPs, 65 police officers, 20 military personnel, and 1 Ansar member.
Additionally, there are 34 miscellaneous cases (32 in Tribunal-1 and 2 in Tribunal-2) involving 207 accused, of whom 96 have been arrested and 125 remain absconding.
Verdict Awaited in Abu Sayed Murder Case
Tribunal prosecutor Mohammad Mizanul Islam told Jago News that the highly publicised Abu Sayed case, a hero of the 2024 mass uprising, faced attempts to divert the investigation. He said the autopsy had been concealed and efforts were made to misdirect the investigation, all of which failed. The verdict is now scheduled for 9 April, and the prosecutor expressed hope that the perpetrators would receive appropriate punishment.
Rampura Cornice Shooting Case Verdict
The verdict in the Rampura cornice shooting case has been delayed following the submission of a document linked to the case on social media, which the court accepted as evidence. The court has now set a hearing for the first week of April.
Hasanul Haq Inu’s Case
Regarding Hasanul Haq Inu, Mizanul Islam said forensic analysis of phone calls and meetings with various leaders, including discussions with former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, proved his involvement in suppressing protesters during the mass uprising.
He added that for four accused, including Awami League Joint General Secretary Mahabub Ul Alam Hanif, 18 prosecution witnesses have been examined, with arguments to follow once the investigative officer’s testimony concludes. Similarly, 10 witnesses have been examined against seven accused, including Awami League leader Obaidul Quader. Witness examinations are ongoing against JASAD leader and former minister Rashed Khan Menon, former Awami League minister Kamrul Islam, former law, justice, and parliamentary affairs minister Anisul Haque, and former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s adviser Salman F. Rahman.
Other Key Cases
Witnesses are being examined in cases against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, her IT adviser, her son Sajeeb Wazed Joy, and ICT State Minister Zunaid Ahmed Palak following formal charges.
Prosecutor Mizanul Islam also noted that trials are ongoing against 17 accused, including Sheikh Hasina and 10 military officers, for enforced disappearances and torture at the Task Force for Interrogation (TFI) during the Awami League government. Witness examination is also continuing in cases related to disappearances at the Joint Interrogation Cell (JIC).
Furthermore, trials are ongoing against former Major General Ziaul Ahsan for multiple allegations of abduction, murder, and crimes against humanity during the Awami League government.
In the Rampura incident, which occurred during the anti-discrimination student and public movement, witness examination continues against four accused, including Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) officer Lieutenant Colonel Redwanul Islam, for the killing of 28 people. Overall, 27–28 cases are ongoing, with formal charges filed in 24, while investigations continue in the rest.
Mizanul Islam noted that witnesses in several cases are facing threats and intimidation, causing insecurity, especially due to the influence of Awami League leaders. Despite this, investigation and prosecution teams continue their work tirelessly.
The prosecution expressed optimism that verdicts in eight to ten more cases could be announced within this year.