Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Tajul Islam has assured that the ongoing trials for crimes against humanity at the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) will remain unaffected by any change in government.
Speaking to journalists on Tuesday, he expressed optimism that verdicts regarding the murder of Abu Sayeed in Rangpur and the killings of two individuals in Rampura would be delivered by the end of the month.
His remarks followed the delivery of the prosecution’s opening statement in the case against Salman F Rahman, former private industry and investment adviser to the ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina, and former law minister Anisul Huq.
The chief prosecutor alleged that there is “irrefutable evidence” of crimes against humanity committed by these two high-ranking officials of the fallen Awami League government during the July mass uprising.
Following the opening statement, the International Crimes Tribunal-1, led by Justice Justice Md Golam Mortuza Majumdar, has scheduled 22 February for the commencement of witness testimonies.
Allegations of systemic violence
The prosecution contends that the accused were complicit in a planned and systematic campaign of violence designed to suppress the mass uprising.
According to the charges, a conspiracy was hatched to deploy lethal weapons against protesters, during which armed cadres of the then-ruling party launched attacks across various locations.
A significant focus of the allegations involves the killings in the capital’s Mirpur area, where the prosecution claims at least 30 people lost their lives in various incidents.
Furthermore, the prosecution argued that despite holding responsible positions in the government, Salman F Rahman and Anisul Huq failed to take any effective measures to prevent the bloodshed.
Telephone records presented to the court purportedly reveal discussions regarding the use of lethal weapons.
The prosecution specifically highlighted one recorded conversation where it was suggested that protesters should be “finished off,” arguing that such comments played a direct role in inciting the killings.
Defence denies charges
The defence has categorically denied all allegations, asserting that the evidence provided is legally inadmissible and that the charges are entirely politically motivated.
Salman F Rahman and Anisul Huq were apprehended by police on 13 August 2024 in the Sadarghat area of Dhaka following the collapse of the Awami League administration. They were subsequently shown arrested on charges of crimes against humanity.
The tribunal formally accepted the prosecution’s charges on 4 December. This was followed by the formal framing of five specific charges against the duo on 12 January, marking the official start of the trial for these top officials of the former regime.
