The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT)-1 on Wednesday set 26 April for a charge-framing hearing in crimes against humanity case against former minister Jahangir Kabir Nanak and 27 others in connection with the killing of nine people during the July mass uprising in the capital’s Mohammadpur area.
The tribunal rescheduled the proceedings after the prosecution sought additional time to prepare its case. Prosecutor Gazi MH Tamim submitted a petition requesting a one-week extension, which the court granted.
The case arises from alleged incidents of violence during the mass protests in July 2024, when nine people were killed in Mohammadpur. Further proceedings are expected to determine whether formal charges will be framed against the accused.
The hearing was initially scheduled for 8 April but was later shifted to 15 April after the defence complained of not receiving necessary documents from the prosecution.
The case names 28 individuals, including former textiles and jute minister Jahangir Kabir Nanak, former Dhaka South City Corporation mayor Sheikh Fazle Noor Taposh, former Dhaka Metropolitan Police commissioner Habibur Rahman, former additional DIG Proloy Kumar Joarder, and former Joint Commissioner of DMP Biplob Kumar Sarker, along with leaders and activists of the local Awami League, Jubo League and Chhatra League.
Among the accused, several have been arrested, including Naimul Hasan Rusel, president of Chhatra League’s Mohammadpur unit, along with Sazzad Hossain, Omar Faruk and Fazle Rabbi.
Earlier, on 18 January, the tribunal took cognisance of the prosecution’s formal complaint and issued arrest warrants against those still at large.
According to the prosecution, incidents on 18 and 19 July, 2024, saw widespread violence during the mass movement, with allegations that ruling party activists, their student wing, and law enforcement agencies opened fire on unarmed protesters.
The charges state that the attack was carried out with the instigation and involvement of the accused.
Nine people, including Mahmudur Rahman Saikat, were killed, and several others were injured.
Prosecutors say they have substantial evidence to support the charges, including testimonies from 50 witnesses
