The International Crimes Tribunal‑1 on Thursday framed charges against former minister Qamrul Islam and Workers Party president Rashed Khan Menon in a crimes against humanity case over the July massacre.
A three‑member tribunal headed by Justice Md Golam Mortuza Mojumdar passed the order, formally opening trial proceedings.
Menon and Qamrul, pleaded not guilty when produced in court. The tribunal set 9 June for prosecution’s opening statement and witness examination.
Prosecutors allege the two accused incited violence to keep Sheikh Hasina’s government in power, provoking the use of lethal weapons and curfews against unarmed protesters. Their alleged conspiracy led to shootings in Dhaka’s Badda and other areas.
Defense lawyers sought discharge of the accused, but the tribunal rejected the petition.
Formal charges had been filed on 3 February, accusing Menon and Qamrul of involvement in two incidents of crimes against humanity, including killing of 23 people in Badda during the mass uprising.
Both have been in custody since the fall of Awami League government on 5 August 2024.
