The International Crimes Tribunal-1 (ICT-1) has scheduled Monday to deliver the verdict in a case involving the killing of six individuals in the Chankharpul area during the July-August mass uprising.
The three-member judicial panel, led by ICT-1 Chairman Justice Md Golam Mortuza Mazumdar, announced the new date on 20 January. The other members of the panel include Justice Md Shofiul Alam Mahmood and retired District and Sessions Judge Md Mohitul Haque Enam Chowdhury.
While the verdict was originally set for 20 January following a 24 December order, the prosecution stated the date was rescheduled as the judgment was not yet ready.
The incident and victims
The case involves a police crackdown on a peaceful student-people movement in the Chankharpul area on 5 August 2024.
Police opened fire on the protesters, resulting in numerous casualties and the deaths of Shahriar Khan Anas, Sheikh Junaid, Md Yaqub, Md Rakib Hawlader, Md Ismamul Haque, and Manik Mia Shahrik. A case was subsequently filed for crimes against humanity regarding these killings.
Status of the Accused Four individuals are currently in custody for this case: former Shahbagh Police Station OC (Operation) Md Arshad Hossain, and Constables Md Sujan Mia, Md Imaj Hossain Emon, and Md Nasirul Islam.
Four other suspects remain fugitives, including Habibur Rahman, former DMP Commissioner; Sudip Kumar Chakraborty, former DMP Joint Commissioner; Shah Alam Md Akhtarul Islam, former Additional Deputy Commissioner (Ramna Zone); and Mohammad Imrul, former assistant commissioner (Ramna Zone).
Trial timeline
The International Crimes Tribunal investigation agency submitted its report on April 20 last year, marking the first investigation report regarding crimes against humanity committed during the July-August movement.
Formal charges were filed on 25 May, which the tribunal took into cognizance. The trial officially commenced on 14 July with the framing of charges. Following the prosecution’s opening statement on 11 August, the court recorded testimonies from 26 witnesses for the prosecution.
