Dhaka, Sep 14 (V7N) – The trial of 16 accused, including former MP Saiful Islam, has officially begun at the International Crimes Tribunal-2 in connection with the killing of seven people and the burning of six bodies in Ashulia on August 5 last year.

During Sunday’s proceedings, the Chief Prosecutor presented his opening statement, asserting that the prosecution possesses irrefutable evidence against the accused.

“With this information and evidence, it is possible to try the accused in any court in the world,” he said.

At one stage, Tribunal-2 questioned whether members of the armed forces could fall under its jurisdiction. In response, the Chief Prosecutor dismissed the debate as “unnecessary,” stressing that the Tribunal Act empowers it to try such individuals.

Meanwhile, the investigation agency has submitted a report implicating five people, including Awami League leaders Mahbubul Alam Hanif and Hasanul Haque Inu, over the killing of seven people in Kushtia between July and August. The prosecution is expected to submit a formal charge sheet in the case by September 29.

Separately, the tribunals continued hearings in two other high-profile cases on Sunday:

  • The fifth day of testimony in the Abu Sayeed murder case at Tribunal-2.

  • The seventh day of testimony in the Chankharpul six-murder case at Tribunal-1.

END/SMA/AJ