The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) is set to formally file charges today against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, and former IGP Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun in connection with crimes against humanity during last year’s July-August anti-discrimination student protests. Of the three, only Abdullah Al-Mamun is currently in custody; the other two are absconding.
Chief Prosecutor Tajul Islam announced the development during a human rights event on Saturday, stating that the tribunal is progressing with the case and aims to make significant headway by December. He claimed that Sheikh Hasina was central to the orchestration of over 1,400 killings during the crackdown, with five formal charges being prepared, including incitement and direct orders to kill.
The ICT has completed investigations into a series of disappearances linked to the crackdown, and findings are expected to be released by June. Tajul stressed the tribunal’s commitment to upholding international legal standards while acknowledging challenges in arresting suspects.
The prosecution’s formal submission will be broadcast live on Bangladesh Television (BTV). The tribunal previously set deadlines to expedite the investigation process, and today marks a critical step in bringing the high-profile case to trial.
