Sixteen former ministers, state ministers and senior officials have been sent to jail in a crimes against humanity case over killings during the July–August movement. Former ICT state minister Junaid Ahmed Palak was heard singing the national anthem while being transported in a prison van.
The transfer to prison vans took place after 2:00pm on Monday (8 December). As Palak boarded the van, he began singing the national anthem, with several others joining him.
Prosecutor Gazi MH Tamim briefed the tribunal on the progress of the case. After the prosecution requested two more months to complete the investigation, Tribunal-1, led by chairman Justice Md Golam Mortuza Mozumder, ordered that the investigation report be submitted by 9 February next year.
In the same case, the prosecution sought discharge for four of the 45 accused in the case involving Obaidul Quader, as formal charges had already been submitted against them. The prosecution confirmed that investigation reports would be filed against the remaining accused.
At around 9:45am, police produced the 16 accused before the tribunal under heavy security, transporting them by prison vans from Keraniganj, Kashimpur and other detention facilities.
The accused include former law minister Anisul Huq, former education minister Dr Dipu Moni, former ICT state minister Junaid Ahmed Palak, former textiles and jute minister Golam Dastagir Gazi, former industries minister Amir Hossain Amu, former food minister Kamrul Islam, former agriculture minister Abdur Razzaq, former shipping minister Shajahan Khan, Workers Party president Rashed Khan Menon, JSD president and former information minister Hasanul Haq Inu, former justice AHM Shamsuddin Choudhury Manik, former home secretary Jahangir Alam, former MP Sulaiman Selim, former prime minister’s adviser Toufiq-e-Elahi Chowdhury, former private industry and investment adviser Salman F Rahman and former state minister Kamal Ahmed Majumder. Former MP Faruk Khan was absent due to illness.
Formal charges have been filed separately against Salman, Anisul, Inu and Palak. Witness testimony is ongoing in the case against Inu. The tribunal has also taken formal charges into cognisance against Palak and Sajeeb Wazed Joy for genocide related to internet shutdowns during the July uprising.
An arrest warrant has been issued against Joy. Charges against Anisul and Salman include allegations of killing students and civilians through curfew enforcement. Hearings have been scheduled following acceptance of the charges.
Glive24/SS