International Crimes Tribunal-1 (ICT-1) has fixed 14 July to deliver its order on framing charges against former lawmaker Shamim Osman and 11 others. The case involves allegations of crimes against humanity committed in Narayanganj during the July-August mass uprising.
Prosecutor Abdus Sattar Palwan confirmed the scheduling of the order to the TIMES on Wednesday. Although the order was originally expected on 5 May, it was rescheduled by the tribunal on Wednesday. The hearing on the framing of charges concluded earlier on 23 April.
During the prosecution’s submission on 19 April, it was alleged that Shamim Osman personally led a violent crackdown to suppress the mass uprising.
The prosecution mentioned that the former MP was central to entire planning of the killings of students and civilians, and was himself seen shooting at the crowds with a firearm.
The prosecution further alleged that Shamim Osman carried out these killings alongside his “armed force” – comprising the 11 other accused in this case – after obtaining permission from Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader.
Based on these findings, the prosecution has applied for the formal framing of charges under three specific counts of crimes against humanity.
In addition to Shamim Osman, the case names his son Ayon Osman, his nephew Azmeri Osman, and various leaders and activists from the Awami League, Jubo League, and Chhatra League as defendants.
All of the accused are currently reported to be absconding.
According to the prosecution, the charges stem from the killing of 10 people across the Fatullah, Chashara, and Signboard areas of Narayanganj on 19 July, 21 July, and 5 August 2024. These events have led to the three specific allegations of human rights crimes now before the tribunal.
