The International Crimes Tribunal has set on Wednesday to pass an order on framing formal charges against four individuals, including BGB officer Lieutenant Colonel Redowanul Islam, in a crimes against humanity case over the killing of 28 people in Rampura during the July–August anti-discrimination student movement.
The order was passed on Sunday by the three-member International Crimes Tribunal-1, headed by Chairman Justice Md Golam Mortuza Mozumder.
Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Tajul Islam, along with prosecutors Moinul Karim and Shyikh Mahdi, represented the prosecution at the tribunal.
State-appointed lawyer Md Amir Hossain appeared on behalf of the two absconding accused, while lawyer Hamidul Misbah represented the two accused who were present. During the hearing, all defence lawyers sought acquittal of the accused.
Following the hearing, the tribunal fixed on Wednesday for passing the order on framing of charges.
Earlier in the day, Redowanul Islam and former BGB officer Major Md Rafat Bin Alam were produced before the tribunal.
The other accused in the case, former Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) of DMP’s Khilgaon zone Md Rashedul Islam and former officer-in-charge (OC) of Rampura Police Station Md Mashiur Rahman, remain absconding.
Previously, on October 22, Redowanul and Rafat, who were in army custody, were brought before the tribunal. After the hearing, the tribunal showed them arrested in the case and sent them to jail, while also ordering the publication of newspaper notices to secure the appearance of the absconding accused.
December 14 had earlier been fixed for hearing in the matter. On December 6, Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Tajul Islam concluded arguments on the formal charges.
During the July uprising, widespread killings took place across the country.
Among them, 28 people were killed in Rampura and many others were injured.
BGB officer Redowanul was seen directly firing at protesters in Rampura, while others allegedly led the killing spree. Based on the investigation agency’s report, the prosecution submitted separate formal charges against the four accused before the tribunal.
