The International Crimes Tribunal-1 on Wednesday framed charges against former Narayanganj-4 lawmaker Shamim Osman and 11 others in a crimes against humanity case over the killing of 10 people in Narayanganj during the July-August uprising, paving the way for their trial to begin.
The three-member tribunal, led by Chairman Justice Md Golam Mortuza Mazumder, passed the order and fixed June 10 for the prosecution’s opening statement and recording witness testimonies.
Prosecutors Abdus Sattar Palawan, Shahidul Islam and Moinul Karim represented the prosecution, while lawyers Md Ali Haider, Sheikh Mustavi Hasan and Amir Hossain represented the defence.
All 12 accused are absconding and are being tried in absentia.
The other accused are Shamim’s son Imtinan Osman Ayan, nephew Azmeri Osman, Ayan’s brother-in-law Minhaj Uddin Ahmed Vicky, former Narayanganj Rifle Club president Tanvir Ahmed Titu, DBC News Narayanganj correspondent Raju Ahmed, former ward 17 councillor Abdul Karim Babu, former ward 18 councillor Kamrul Hasan Munna, former Narayanganj city unit Awami League joint secretary Shah Nizam Uddin Ahmed, Jubo League leader Shahadat Hossain Sajnu, Chhatra League leader Habibur Rahman Riad and Sohanur Rahman Shuvra.
The tribunal had earlier been scheduled to pass the order on May 5, but later deferred it.
The prosecution brought three charges in the case.
According to the first charge, six people, including adolescent Adil, Yasin, student Parvez, garment worker Russell and six-year-old Riya, were killed in Chashara, Signboard and the surrounding areas of Narayanganj on July 19, 2024.
The second charge says Abdur Rahman and Mohammad Rakib were killed in the Bhuiyghar bus stand area on July 21.
According to the third charge, Badiuzzaman and Abul Hasan were killed on August 5.
On January 19, the tribunal took the formal charges submitted by the prosecution into cognisance. As all the accused are absconding, the proceedings are continuing in their absence.
