The International Crimes Tribunal-2 on Thursday fixed 27 September for hearing on charge framing against 11 accused, including former Member of Parliament Abdur Rahman Bodi, in a crimes against humanity case over killing of municipal councillor Ekramul Haque in a staged “gunfight” in Teknaf, Cox’s Bazar in 2018.
The court passed the order following an application by prosecution. Prosecutor Zahirul Amin argued for prosecution at the tribunal, seeking time for hearing, which the court granted before setting 27 September as date for hearing.
In this case, Bodi, alongside Brigadier General Mifta Uddin Ahmed, Brigadier General Md Mahbub Alam, and former Director General of RAB Anwar Latif Khan, are currently arrested and detained in prison.
The other accused in the case are absconding.
They are ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, former Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader, former Inspector General of Police Benazir Ahmed, Major Ruhul Amin, and army officers Nazmus Sakib and Ashiqur Rahman.
On 7 September, the court instructed appointment of defence lawyers for them at state expense.
According to the prosecution, Ekramul Haque was picked up from a road in Kirantoli area of Teknaf at around 10:30pm on 26 May 2018.
Between 11pm and 12am midnight, he was killed in a staged “gunfight” involving RAB near Marine Drive seashore in Noakhalia Para under Teknaf Sadar Union.
Ekramul Haque was councillor of Ward No. 3 of Teknaf Municipality and president of Upazila Jubo League.
The prosecution has brought charges against accused for illegally detaining and abducting Ekramul Haque, staging a gunfight drama to shoot him dead, as well as involvement, incitement, assistance, and ordering the murder.
Earlier on 26 July, the prosecution submitted formal charges in the case to registrar’s office of International Crimes Tribunal. Following a hearing on the allegations that day, the tribunal took cognisance of charges against 11 individuals, including Sheikh Hasina.
