Former inspector general of police (IGP) Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun, one of the accused in the case over crimes against humanity committed during the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement in July-August, was brought to the International Crimes Tribunal on Thursday morning.
Ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina and former home minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, who are also accused in the case, remain absconding.
Police brought Mamun to the tribunal from prison under tight security around 9am.
A three-member judicial panel, headed by Tribunal-1 Chairman Justice Md Golam Mortuza Mozumder, is expected to set the date for the verdict in the case on Thursday.
Earlier, on October 23, both the prosecution and state-appointed defence concluded their arguments and closing statements.
Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Tajul Islam and Attorney General Mohammad Asaduzzaman made the closing arguments for the prosecution, while Md Amir Hossain, the state-appointed defence counsel, presented the arguments for the accused. Prosecutors Mizanul Islam, Gazi MH Tamim, Faruk Ahmed, Moinul Karim, and Sultan Mahmud were also present.
The tribunal earlier announced that it would deliver the verdict on November 13 against Sheikh Hasina, Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, and three others in the case.
During the hearings, defence counsel Amir Hossain argued for the acquittal of his clients, claiming they were innocent and challenging the credibility of several witnesses, including Daily Amar Desh Editor Mahmudur Rahman, NCP Convener Nahid Islam, and prime witness Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun.
Earlier, Mamun had admitted to his role in the crimes committed during the July 10 mass uprising, saying: “The accusations of murder and genocide during the July-August movement are true. I plead guilty and wish to assist the court in uncovering the full truth.”
On that day, Tribunal-1 formally framed charges against Sheikh Hasina, Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, and Mamun, rejecting their petitions for discharge.
The prosecution submitted five charges of crimes against humanity, with the formal charge sheet spanning 8,747 pages, including 2,018 pages of references, 4,005 pages of evidence, and 2,724 pages listing the victims.