The International Crimes Tribunal-1 has set March 4 for delivering its verdict in a high-profile case concerning the killings in capital’s Rampura area, during anti-government protests over the abolition of the government job quota system in July 2024.
The protests turned deadly, leaving one person shot and two others killed.
The tribunal’s decision on the date was confirmed on Sunday by Prosecutor Gazi M.H. Tamim.
Earlier, on February 3, both prosecution and defense lawyers concluded their arguments before the bench of the International Crimes Tribunal-1, headed by Chairman Justice Md. Golam Mortuza Majumder.
A total of five former police officials have been formally charged in connection with the killings that took place during the July–August 2024 protests, including former Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Habibur Rahman. The other accused are former Khilgaon Zone Additional Deputy Commissioner Md. Rashedul Islam, former Officer-in-Charge of Rampura Police Station Md. Moshiur Rahman, former Sub-Inspector Tarikul Islam Bhuiya, and then-ASI of Rampura Police Outpost Chonchol Chandra Sarkar, who has been arrested.
During the proceedings, prosecutors alleged that widespread killings were carried out by police in Rampura and other parts of the country. On July 19, unarmed Amir Hossain was shot, an act described by the prosecution as a “clear crime against humanity.” Two other individuals were also killed. Authorities claim the killings were carried out under direct orders from senior police officials.
The prosecution presented evidence, including eyewitness testimonies, video footage, and official documents, to demonstrate the involvement of all five accused.
The investigation report was submitted to the Chief Prosecutor’s office on July 31, 2025. Formal charges were filed on August 7 by Prosecutor Faruk Ahmed, and the court framed the charges on September 18, marking the official commencement of the trial.
