The hearing on the framing of formal charges in a case concerning crimes against humanity, linked to the killing of nine people in Mohammadpur during the July mass uprising, is scheduled to take place today against 28 accused, including former Minister for Textiles and Jute Jahangir Kabir Nanak.
The accused are to be produced before the International Crimes Tribunal from prison as part of the proceedings.
The hearing is set to be conducted on Wednesday (15 April) before a judicial panel of International Crimes Tribunal-1, headed by Justice Md Golam Mortuza Majumder.
Four of the accused are currently in custody. They are Naimul Hasan Russell, president of the banned student wing of the Bangladesh Chhatra League’s Mohammadpur thana unit; its vice-president Sazzad Hossain; Omar Faruk; and Fazle Rabbi.
Several other accused remain absconding. Notable among them are Sheikh Fazle Noor Taposh, then Mayor of Dhaka South City Corporation; Habibur Rahman, then Commissioner of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police; Proloy Kumar Joardar, former Additional Inspector General of Police; Biplo Kumar Government, former Joint Commissioner of DMP; and Syed Hasan Nur Islam Raston, former councillor of Ward No. 32 under Dhaka North City Corporation.
Previously, the tribunal had scheduled a hearing on 8 April. However, it was not held as defence lawyers stated that necessary documents had not been provided by the prosecution. Consequently, the tribunal rescheduled the proceedings for today, with the prosecution set to present its submissions first.
On 18 January this year, the tribunal formally took cognisance of the prosecution’s charges and issued arrest warrants against all 28 accused.
According to the prosecution’s three-count charge, members of the Awami League, the Chhatra League, and law enforcement agencies allegedly carried out acts of violence during the student–public protests on 18 and 19 July 2024. It is further alleged that, through instigation, provocation, and direct or indirect presence, the accused were involved in opening fire on unarmed protesters.
As a result of the incidents, nine individuals were killed, including Mahmudur Rahman Saikat and Farhan Faiyaz. Several others were also injured during the events.
Summary of the accused
| Category | Number | Notable names |
|---|---|---|
| In custody | 4 | Naimul Hasan Russell, Sazzad Hossain, Omar Faruk, Fazle Rabbi |
| Absconding | Majority of 28 | Jahangir Kabir Nanak, Sheikh Fazle Noor Taposh, Habibur Rahman, Proloy Kumar Joardar, Biplo Kumar Government, Syed Hasan Nur Islam Raston |
| Total accused | 28 | — |