The prosecution has sought the maximum punishment for four accused, including Awami League leader Mahbub Ul Alam Hanif, in a crimes against humanity case over the killing of six people in Kushtia during the July uprising.
The prosecution concluded its arguments before International Crimes Tribunal-2 on Monday.
The tribunal fixed 7 October for the defence to present its arguments.
Prosecutor Gazi MH Tamim presented the prosecution’s arguments.
He said Hanif, as part of the government, accepted decisions taken to suppress the July uprising and implemented them through subordinates.
Tamim said the tribunal had awarded the maximum punishment to former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, general secretary Obaidul Quader and joint general secretary Bahauddin Nasim for the same crime.
The prosecution argued that Hanif should receive the same punishment for allegedly playing a similar role from the same political position.
The prosecutor said Hanif, as joint general secretary of a major political party, took part in all types of party decisions. Tamim also alleged that Hanif instigated and assisted crimes against humanity committed during the July uprising.
The prosecution further claimed that Hanif demonstrated support by attending various meetings addressed by Obaidul Quader.
According to Tamim, Hanif instructed the Kushtia superintendent of police, district and upazila chairmen and Awami League leaders and activists over the phone to carry out killings.
He said recordings of the telephone conversations had been submitted to the tribunal.
The prosecution alleged that lethal attacks in Kushtia in July 2024 followed political directives, organisational coordination and local-level activities aimed at suppressing the anti-government movement.
It argued that the incidents formed part of a planned and coordinated attack.
According to case documents, local Awami League leader Azgar Ali said in a speech in front of the Kushtia District Awami League office on 27 July 2024 that Hanif had instructed them to suppress the movement “by any means”.
The prosecution placed particular emphasis on that statement during its arguments. It claimed the killings in Kushtia were carried out under the direct influence of statements, instructions and organisational roles of the accused.
Earlier, on 10 June, the tribunal kept the case awaiting verdict after the prosecution and defence concluded their arguments.
Arguments were later reopened after the prosecution submitted additional evidence.
A total of 19 witnesses, including the investigating officer, testified in the case.
All four accused are currently absconding. Lawyers have therefore been appointed to represent them at state expense.
Besides Hanif, the other accused are Kushtia District Awami League President Sadar Uddin Khan, district General Secretary Azgar Ali and Kushtia City Awami League General Secretary Ataur Rahman Ata.
The prosecution brought three charges against the accused.
The charges include being present at and expressing support for a meeting where Awami League leader Obaidul Quader said Chhatra League was sufficient to suppress the movement, allegedly giving orders to kill students and members of the public and taking part in a conspiracy at a meeting in Kushtia on 29 July, and the killing of six people in Kushtia.
Six people were killed and several others injured in Kushtia during the July-August mass uprising.
A crimes against humanity case was subsequently filed before the International Crimes Tribunal against Hanif and the three others over the incidents.
The prosecution submitted formal charges on 6 October last year.
The tribunal began the trial of the four accused on 2 November the same year.
