The International Crimes Tribunal-2 on Wednesday ordered the appointment of state-defence counsel for 17 fugitives, including former foreign minister Hasan Mahmud, in a case involving crimes against humanity committed during the July mass uprising in Chattogram.
The case concerns the killing of six individuals, including Chhatra Dal leader Wasim Akram, during the protests.
During the proceedings, Prosecutor Mohammad Zahirul Amin informed the court that out of the 22 total accused, only five – including former Member of Parliament ABM Fazle Karim Chowdhury – are currently in custody.
The remaining 17 accused, including Hasan Mahmud and Mohibul Hassan, are currently absconding.
The prosecution moved the application for state-funded counsel after the fugitives failed to appear before the court despite the publication of notices in newspapers. Following the order for state-appointed representation, the tribunal set 4 June as the date for the hearing on the framing of charges.
The prosecution had previously submitted formal charges against 22 individuals on 5 April, following the submission of an investigation report by the agency on 2 April.
Charges and the accused
The accused face three specific counts of crimes, according to the formal charges. The first charge involves the murder of Md Wasim Akram, Faisal Ahmed Shanto, and Md Faruque in Chattogram on 16 July 2024.
The second charge relates to the murder of Tanvir Siddiqui, Md Sayem, and Hridoy Chandra on 18 July 2024, while the third charge involves causing grievous injuries to more than a hundred people.
The list of the accused includes former MP from Chattogram-6 ABM Fazle Karim Chowdhury, former education minister Mohibul Hassan Chowdhury Nowfel, and former mayors of Chattogram City Corporation AJM Nasir Uddin and Rezaul Karim.
Other individuals named in the case are Mohiuddin Bachchu, Helal Akbar, Nurul Azim Rony, Shaibal Das Suman, Mohammad Firoz, Abu Salek, Esbarul Haque, HM Mithu, Nur Mostafa Tinu, Debasish Pal Debu, Jamir Uddin, Azizur Rahman, Imran Hasan Mahmud, Jakaria Dastagir, Mohiuddin Farhad, Suman Dey, and Touhidul Islam.
Sources indicate that all the accused are involved with the politics of the Awami League and its affiliate organisations.
