“Verdict in Ashulia’s gruesome six-body burning case today.”

The long-awaited verdict in the Ashulia case, involving the burning of six bodies and the shooting death of one individual during the mass uprising of July–August 2013, is scheduled for today, Thursday, 5 February. The trial is being overseen by International Crimes Tribunal-2 (ICT-2), with a three-member bench chaired by Justice Nazrul Islam Chowdhury. The other members of the panel are Justice Md. Manjurul Bashid and Justice Nur Mohammad Shahriar Kabir.

This marks the third verdict delivered by the International Crimes Tribunal concerning cases of crimes against humanity that occurred during the tenure of the Awami League government.

The court had earlier fixed today’s date for the verdict on Sunday, 1 February. Following the completion of arguments from both the prosecution and the defence, the case was kept under consideration for judgment (CAV) on 20 January. Prior to that, on 14 and 15 January, the prosecution’s arguments were presented by Prosecutor Md. Mizanul Islam and Chief Prosecutor Tajul Islam. Subsequently, the defence presented its case.

Defending the accused are lawyers Syed Mizanur Rahman and S.M. Mirajul Alam Azman.

The case has seen the arrest of several high-ranking police officials and other personnel from Dhaka District, including former Additional Superintendent of Police (Crime and Operations) Md. Abdullahil Kafi; former Additional Superintendent of Police (Savar Circle) Md. Shahidul Islam; Inspector Md. Arafat Hossain; Sub-Inspectors Abdul Malek and Arafat Uddin; Assistant Sub-Inspector Kamrul Hasan; Sheikh Abzalul Haque; and Constable Mukul Chokdar. However, eight accused—including former Member of Parliament Saiful—remain fugitives.

The charges against the accused were formally framed on 21 August last year, marking the official commencement of the trial. During initial court proceedings, seven of the eight accused present claimed innocence, while Sub-Inspector Sheikh Abzalul Haque admitted his guilt. Notably, he later testified in court as a state witness.

Summary of Accused and Status

The verdict, expected today, is likely to be closely watched both nationally and internationally, as it represents another significant step in Bangladesh’s efforts to deliver justice for crimes against humanity committed during the 2013 unrest.