The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT)-1 on Wednesday framed charges against former lawmaker Shamim Osman and 11 others in a case crimes against humanity over alleged atrocities committed in Narayanganj during the July Mass Uprising.
The tribunal fixed 10 June for the prosecution’s opening statement and recording of witness depositions.
The indictment hearing in the case ended on 23 April, while the prosecution placed its arguments on 19 April.
According to the prosecution, former Narayanganj MP Shamim Osman was directly involved in planning the killings and personally opened fire with firearms during the suppression of the student-led movement.
The prosecution also alleged that he carried out the operations with the approval of Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader and led an armed group comprising the other accused in the case.
The tribunal accepted three charges involving the deaths of 10 people in Narayanganj.
The first charge concerns the killing of six people on 19 July, 2024, in the Chashara and Signboard areas under Narayanganj Sadar and Fatullah. The victims include six-year-old Ria Gop, student Parvez, garment worker Russell, Adil and Yasin.
The second charge relates to the killings of Abdur Rahman and Mohammad Rakib in front of Bhuighar bus stand in Fatullah on 21 July, 2024.
The third charge concerns the killings of Badiuzzaman and Abul Hasan on 5 August, 2024.
Besides Shamim Osman, the accused include his son Ayan Osman, nephew Azmeri Osman and several leaders and activists of the Awami League, Jubo League and Chhatra League.
All 12 accused are currently absconding and the trial is being held in absentia.
The prosecution said the killings in the Fatullah, Chashara and Signboard areas were carried out to suppress the mass uprising and constituted crimes against humanity.
