The International Crimes tribunal has directed that notices be published in newspapers summoning former prime minister Sheikh Hasina and the Awami League government’s then-home minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal to appear in court, as they face charges of crimes against humanity.
On Monday, prosecutors informed the tribunal that police had been unable to arrest the accused, who are believed to be abroad. Consequently, the tribunal, led by Justice Md Golam Mortuza Mozumder, ordered the publication of summons notices in accordance with legal procedures.
The case involves five counts of crimes against humanity, put forward by the ICT’s Investigation Agency on May 12, describing Hasina as the “mastermind” and “superior commander” behind the atrocities committed during the July uprising last year, with the intention being to quell the student-led mass uprising .
After issuing arrest warrants on June 1, the court had set June 16 to determine the accused’s whereabouts. On that day, another accused—former IGP Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun—was produced before the Tribunal.
Prosecutor Tajul Islam stated that police visits to the accused’s addresses have so far proven unsuccessful. As per legal protocol, notices will now be published in both Bangla and English newspapers, requiring both Hasina and Kamal to appear within a week.
The tribunal scheduled the next hearing for June 24. If the accused fail to surrender within the stipulated period, the trial will proceed by declaring them fugitives.
The interim government has amended laws to enable the trial of Awami League as a political party.