The prosecution on Tuesday presented arguments before the International Crimes Tribunal-2 (ICT-2) against Awami League Joint General Secretary Mahbub Ul Alam Hanif in connection with crimes against humanity committed during the July mass uprising.
Prosecutor Faruque Ahmed placed the submissions on Tuesday, focusing on directives allegedly issued by Hanif to suppress the protest movement.
The prosecution’s arguments were based on a speech delivered by local Awami League leader Azgar Ali on 27 July 2024, in front of the Kushtia District Awami League office. In that address, Ali reportedly stated that their leader, Hanif, had instructed them to suppress the movement by any means necessary.
Following the day’s proceedings, the tribunal scheduled the next hearing for 3 June.
This follows the commencement of arguments on Monday by Prosecutor Mizanul Islam, who contended that the killings in Kushtia were the direct result of the defendants’ statements, directives, and organisational roles.
The prosecution further argued that these incidents were part of a planned and coordinated attack.
Charges and proceedings
A total of 19 witnesses, including the investigating officer, have testified in the case involving the deaths of six people in Kushtia during the July uprising.
There are four accused in the matter, all of whom are currently absconding: Hanif, Kushtia District Awami League President Sadar Uddin Khan, District General Secretary Azgar Ali, and City Awami League General Secretary Ataur Rahman Ata.
Three specific charges have been brought against them, including attending a meeting where they concurred with the assertion of influential leader Obaidul Quader that the Chhatra League was sufficient to suppress the movement.
They are also accused of conspiring and issuing orders to kill students and the public during a meeting in Kushtia on 29 July, and are held responsible for the murder of six individuals.
The prosecution filed formal charges on 6 October last year, and the trial of the four accused commenced on 2 November.
