The International Crimes Tribunal has framed charges against two accused, including banned Awami League presidium member Kamrul Islam, in a case over alleged crimes against humanity during the July 2024 mass movement, paving the way for the trial to begin.
The other accused in the case is Workers' Party President Rashed Khan Menon. Both were present before the tribunal.
A three-member bench of International Crimes Tribunal-1, led by Chairman Justice Md Golam Mortuza Mazumder, passed the order on Thursday.
At the outset of the hearing, the tribunal rejected defence pleas seeking exemption from appearance. Judge Mohitul Haque then read out the three charges brought in the case and asked the accused whether they would plead guilty.
Menon told the tribunal: “I am innocent. I want justice.” Kamrul, meanwhile, denied the allegations, describing them as “false, fabricated and motivated,” and also sought justice.
The tribunal later fixed June 9 for the opening statements following the framing of charges.
Chief Prosecutor Aminul Islam, along with prosecutors Gazi MH Tamim, Abdus Sattar Palawan and Moinul Karim, appeared for the prosecution.
According to the prosecution, Kamrul and Menon allegedly incited actions to sustain the then government led by Sheikh Hasina, including encouraging the use of lethal force and the imposition of curfew against unarmed students and civilians.
The prosecution further alleged that their actions contributed to the firing on protesters in Badda and the surrounding areas of the capital, resulting in the deaths of 23 people.
