Arguments in crimes against humanity case against Hasina Sunday

fixed Sunday (October 12) for hearing arguments in a case against three accused, including ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina, over their alleged crimes against humanity committed during the July-August mass uprising last year.

The three-member tribunal, led by its Chairman Justice Md Golam Mortuza Mozumder, passed the order as the defence concluded cross-examination of the last and 54th prosecution witness, Md Alamgir.

Advocate Amir Hossain, the state-appointed counsel for fugitives Sheikh Hasina and Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, cross-examined Md Alamgir, who is also the investigation officer of the case. 

Former Inspector General of Police Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun, another accused in the case, earlier pleaded guilty and became an approver.

Earlier on June 17, ICT-1 published notices in two national dailies asking Sheikh Hasina and Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal to surrender by June 24.

"As per Rule 31 of the International Crimes (Tribunal-1) Rules of Procedure 2010 (Amendment 2025), they are ordered to surrender before this tribunal on June 24, 2025. Otherwise, the trial will proceed in absentia under Section 10A of the International Crimes (Tribunals) Act, 1973," the notice said.

The tribunal issued the notices on June 16 after taking cognizance of the formal charges submitted on June 1.

Chief Prosecutor Muhammad Tajul Islam informed the court that Hasina and Kamal were absconding, citing intelligence reports suggesting they were in India.

The prosecution has brought five charges of crimes against humanity and mass killings against Hasina, Kamal, and Abdullah Al-Mamun, based on a probe report filed by the ICT investigation agency on May 12, reports BSS.

The tribunal framed charges against the trio on July 10.