Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Tajul Islam on Tuesday petitioned a tribunal to frame charges against Sheikh Hasina and two others in a case of crimes against humanity, allegedly committed during the 2024 July-August uprising.
Dhaka International Crimes Tribunal-1 (ICT-1) Chairman Justice Md Golam Mortuza Mozumder headed the hearing.
Just a month ago, the ICT-1 took cognizance of the formal charges brought against the former prime minister Hasina and two others in the case.
The two other accused of the case are-former home minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal and former inspector general of police (IGP) Chowdhury Abdullah Al Mamun.
During the hearing, the chief prosecutor read out all five charges, including one of superior command responsibility, brought against Hasina, Kamal, and Mamun.
He stated, "The five allegations presented are evidently widespread, and a large number of people were targeted and injured. The crimes were systematic, as the attacks were carried out in the same manner and in accordance with a single order across the country."
The order came from Hasina, the police force, and also other allied forces, he added, further stating that chain of command was followed to execute the crimes.
Md Amir Hossain, a state appointed defense lawyer for Hasina and Kamal, told the tribunal that he was not ready for hearing as he could not get enough time to study the case documents. So he prayed for seven days at least for preparation.
However, Advocate Zayed Bin-Amjad, a counsel for former IGP Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun, refrained from arguing at this stage of the hearing.
The ICT-1 adjourned the proceedings of the case till July 7.
After the court proceedings, Md Amir Hossain said in a briefing that the allegations brought against his clients were not true. He will submit a petition to the tribunal seeking acquittal of Hasina and Kamal.
The Hasina regime came to an end on August 5 last year on the face of a mass uprising led by students and people. Later, on August 14, a complaint was submitted with the ICT against this former prime minister on charges of committing crimes against humanity.
The investigation officer (IO) started probe against Hasina, Kamal and Mamun on October 14 in 2024. The IO submitted the report to the chief prosecutor's office on May 12 this year, within six months 28 days.
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