The prosecution is set to continue placing arguments Sunday, in the crimes against humanity case against Awami League Joint General Secretary Mahbub Ul Alam Hanif. The case involves allegations of crimes committed during the July mass uprising.
The International Crimes Tribunal-2 (ICT-2) fixed the date on Wednesday, following a petition from the prosecution. This follows two previous days of prosecution arguments already presented in the case.
On 12 May, Prosecutor Faruk Ahmed presented arguments 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 speech, Ali reportedly stated that their leader, Hanif, had instructed them to suppress the movement by any means necessary.
Earlier, on 11 May, Prosecutor Md Mizanul Islam opened the prosecution’s arguments. The prosecution contends that the killings in Kushtia were the direct result of the defendants’ statements, instructions, and organisational roles, describing the incidents as part of a planned and coordinated attack.
A total of 19 witnesses, including the investigation officer, have provided testimony in the case. Hanif is one of four defendants accused in connection with the killing of six people in Kushtia during the July uprising.
All four accused including Kushtia District Awami League President Sadar Uddin Khan, District General Secretary Azgar Ali, and Town Awami League General Secretary Ataur Rahman Ata-remain at large.
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 2024 and are held responsible for the murder of six individuals.
The case stems from the July-August mass uprising, during which six people were killed, and several others were injured in Kushtia. The prosecution filed formal charges in the Tribunal on 6 October last year, and the trial for Hanif and the three others commenced on 2 November.
