A Dhaka court has set 19 April for the hearing on charge framing against 12 individuals, including former MP Shamim Osman, in connection with crimes against humanity committed during the July-August 2024 uprising in Narayanganj.
The International Crimes Tribunal-1 issued the order on Sunday. The court also instructed the appointment of state-funded lawyers for the absconding accused.
Prosecutor Abdus Sattar Paloan, representing the prosecution, requested additional time for formal charge framing, as many of the accused remain fugitives. Prosecutors Mizanul Islam, Abdus Sobhan Torfadar, Gazi MH Tamim, and Abdullah Al Mamun were also present in court.
The tribunal set 19 April for the hearing on the charge framing after reviewing the request.
Along with Shamim Osman, another accused is his son Ayon Osman. The names of the other 10 accused have not yet been disclosed by the prosecution.
On 19 January, the tribunal accepted formal charges against Shamim Osman and the other 12 individuals, issuing arrest warrants.
The prosecution alleges that on 19 and 21 July, and 5 August 2024, 10 people were killed in Fatulla, Chasara, and Signboard areas of Narayanganj. The prosecution has filed three charges of crimes against humanity in connection with the killings.
Prosecution officials have also stated that Shamim Osman and his son Ayon Osman were among the key perpetrators in the violence, with all accused believed to have been armed during the student-led protests.
