The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT)-1 on Wednesday set 27 April for recording deposition of the prosecution witnesses in crimes against humanity case against former prime minister’s adviser on private industry and investment Salman F Rahman and former law minister Anisul Huq.
The tribunal fixed the date after the prosecution sought an additional week for proceedings. Prosecutor Gazi MH Tamim represented the state during the hearing.
On 12 January, the tribunal framed five charges against the duo, formally initiating the trial in the case.
According to the prosecution, the accused were involved in a planned and systematic campaign of violence aimed at suppressing the mass uprising. It alleges that conspiracies were made to deploy lethal weapons against protesters, while armed activists of the then ruling party carried out attacks in multiple areas, including killings in Dhaka’s Mirpur region. The prosecution claims that around 30 people were killed in separate incidents.
The prosecution further stated that, despite holding positions of responsibility, the accused failed to take effective measures to stop the violence.
It also cited recorded telephone conversations presented before the tribunal, which allegedly indicate discussions on the use of lethal force, including remarks calling for protesters to be “eliminated,” which the prosecution says amount to incitement.
The defence has rejected all allegations, arguing that the evidence is inadmissible and that the case is politically motivated.
