The trial of former major general Ziaul Ahsan over alleged crimes against humanity involving 104 enforced disappearances and killings is nearing its final stage.
The prosecution’s 15th and final witness, investigation officer Mohammad Rafiqul Islam, began giving his deposition before International Crimes Tribunal-1 on Wednesday.
As his testimony could not be completed, the tribunal adjourned the hearing until 4 October.
The defence will then have an opportunity to present its witnesses, after which both sides are expected to make their closing arguments.
During his deposition, Rafiqul described the investigation process, including the statements he recorded, places he visited and evidence and other information he collected.
Several army officers, including former army chief General Iqbal Karim Bhuiyan, have already testified in the case. According to the prosecution, their testimonies outlined Ziaul’s alleged role in enforced disappearances and killings and described how some RAB officials allegedly became involved in such crimes.
After the hearing, prosecutor Gazi MH Tamim told reporters that the prosecution had established the allegations against Ziaul through the testimony of 15 witnesses.
“With the investigation officer’s deposition, the prosecution’s evidence will be complete,” he said. The defence will then be able to present witnesses if it wishes, he added.
The case was filed over allegations that Ziaul played a direct role in enforced disappearances and killings allegedly carried out with state backing during the Awami League government.
On 14 January, the International Crimes Tribunal-1 framed three charges against him, formally beginning the trial over allegations involving 104 deaths.
According to the prosecution, Ziaul served as director of the Rapid Action Battalion’s intelligence wing and later as additional director general (operations) between 2009 and 2016.
The prosecution alleges that he was directly involved in enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings during that period and that RAB personnel carried out such acts on his instructions or with his approval.
According to prosecution sources, Ziaul was posted to RAB as an army major in 2009 and subsequently became close to then prime minister Sheikh Hasina.
The sources said he did not return to the army until his dismissal in 2024, instead serving in various forces and agencies under the Home Ministry.
The prosecution also alleges that Ziaul was promoted to major general without completing required courses and training or having experience commanding a battalion or brigade.
It described the promotion as unprecedented in the professional history of the Bangladesh Army.
