Dhaka, Aug 04 (V7N) – The second day of witness testimony in the July Genocide case against Sheikh Hasina, former Prime Minister, and Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, former Home Minister, began today at the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) in Dhaka. Former IGP Chowdhury Abdullah Al Mamun, now a state witness, was brought to the tribunal premises on Monday morning under tight security.

This follows Sunday’s opening session, during which the first witness, Khokon Chandra Barman, who was injured in the August 5 coup, gave an emotional account of the violence. Barman directly accused Sheikh Hasina of being the mastermind behind the mass killings and demanded her prosecution for crimes against humanity.

Prosecutors Seek Maximum Penalty

On Monday, Attorney General Md. Asaduzzaman and Chief Prosecutor Tajul Islam delivered the tribunal’s formal opening arguments. Both called for the maximum sentence for the accused, stating the crimes committed during the July-August period constitute genocide, mass murder, and systematic suppression of civilians.

The tribunal had earlier, on July 10, ordered formal trial proceedings against Sheikh Hasina, Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, and former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Mamun, in connection with the July-August 2024 crackdown, which followed nationwide unrest and mass uprisings.

Status of the Accused

  • Sheikh Hasina and Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal are currently absconding and have not responded to court summons.

  • Chowdhury Abdullah Al Mamun, previously an accused, has become a key witness and is being held in detention.

Background

The July Genocide case stems from events during the July Uprising of 2024, when security forces under government orders allegedly committed mass killings, disappearances, and torture during attempts to suppress civil protests. Several civilians, including women and journalists, were reported killed during that time.

The tribunal has categorized the events as potential crimes against humanity, and the trial is expected to be one of the most high-profile proceedings in the country’s recent legal history.

More testimonies are scheduled in the coming days. Tribunal officials say the case is being fast-tracked, given its national significance and the public demand for accountability.

END/RH/AJ