Dhaka, Oct 15 (V7N) — The International Crimes Tribunal-1 (ICT-1) has ordered the completion of investigations by January 8 against several top Awami League leaders, including former Law Minister Anisul Haque and former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s advisor Salman F Rahman, in connection with seven cases of crimes against humanity allegedly committed during the July–August period.

On Wednesday (October 15) morning, a total of 45 accused, including Junaid Ahmed Palak, Dipu Moni, ten former ministers, Toufiq-e-Elahi Chowdhury, several secretaries, and former MPs, were produced before the tribunal.

Later, instead of bringing the top accused close to the Awami League and the then government into the courtroom, the tribunal issued an order from chambers instructing investigators to complete the investigation by January 8.

Meanwhile, the fourth day of arguments in the crimes against humanity case against Sheikh Hasina and three others in connection with the July mass uprising is being heard today. Chief Prosecutor Tajul Islam is presenting arguments before the bench headed by Justice Golam Mortuza Majumder.

During Tuesday’s hearing, the prosecution detailed evidence related to the crime scenes, the extent of atrocities, the roles of those involved, and the sequence of events that occurred in July. Five specific charges have been formally presented against the accused.

In a separate proceeding, testimony in the Ashulia body-burning case is also being recorded at International Crimes Tribunal-2.

END/SMA/AJ