The International Crimes Tribunal-1 will deliver its order on Wednesday on a defence plea seeking permission to appoint a foreign lawyer for former army officer Ziaul Ahsan in a crimes against humanity case over alleged enforced disappearances and killings.
The tribunal fixed 7 October for the order after hearing the application on Tuesday, defence counsel Naznin Nahar said.
British lawyer Steven K Casey has agreed to represent Ziaul Ahsan in the case. He informed the Bangladesh Bar Council of his decision in a letter dated 18 January.
The trial is now at an advanced stage, with the tribunal recording the testimony of investigation officer Md Rafiqul Islam. The case is expected to move to closing arguments after his testimony is completed.
The tribunal began the trial on 14 January after framing three charges against Ziaul Ahsan.
Several army officers, including former army chief Iqbal Karim Bhuiyan, have testified in the case.
The prosecution said their testimonies detailed Ziaul Ahsan’s alleged involvement in killings and described how RAB personnel allegedly became involved in enforced disappearances and other crimes.
Allegations involving 104 deaths
The case was filed over allegations that Ziaul Ahsan had a direct role in enforced disappearances and killings allegedly carried out with state backing during the Awami League government’s tenure.
The tribunal formally began the trial after framing three charges against him over allegations involving the deaths of 104 people.
According to the prosecution, Ziaul Ahsan served as director of RAB’s intelligence wing and later as additional director general (operations) between 2009 and 2016.
Prosecutors allege that he was directly involved in enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings during that period and that RAB members carried out such acts on his instructions and with his approval.
According to prosecution sources, Ziaul Ahsan joined RAB as an army major in 2009 and subsequently became close to then prime minister Sheikh Hasina.
He remained outside the army until his dismissal in 2024, serving in various forces and agencies under the Ministry of Home Affairs.
The prosecution further claims that he was promoted to major general without completing the required courses and training or gaining experience in commanding a battalion or brigade.
Prosecutors have described the promotion as unprecedented in the professional history of the Bangladesh Army.
