Hasina, Kamal, Mamun Charge Hearing Starts

Hearings have begun today, Tuesday, July 1, for the framing of charges against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, and former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun. They face accusations of crimes against humanity related to killings during the July-August mass uprising.

The proceedings are taking place before a three-member judicial panel of the International Crimes Tribunal, led by Chairman Justice Md. Golam Mortuza Majumder. The other two members of the tribunal are Justice Md. Shafiul Alam Mahmud and Justice Md. Mohitul Hoque Enam Chowdhury.

Earlier this morning, former IGP Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun was brought before the International Crimes Tribunal.

The tribunal had previously set today, June 24, for the next hearing in this case. The same three-member judicial panel, headed by Justice Md. Golam Mortuza Majumder, issued that order. Additionally, a decision was made to appoint lawyers for the absconding accused.

On June 16, the tribunal ordered Sheikh Hasina and Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, who are currently at large, to appear before it. This follows the tribunal's decision on June 1 to take formal charges against Sheikh Hasina and two others into cognizance.

Among the accused, former IGP Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun is currently in custody, while former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal remain at large.

The prosecution has brought five charges of crimes against humanity against these three individuals. The formal charge document is extensive, totaling 8,747 pages. This includes 2,018 pages of source materials, 4,005 pages of seized lists and documentary evidence, and 2,724 pages detailing the list of martyrs. There are 81 witnesses listed in the case.