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Online Report 16 Oct 2025 , 10:23 AM Print Edition
Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Tajul Islam concluded the prosecution’s case after five days of arguments in the International Crimes Tribunal-1 regarding crimes against humanity during the July–August anti-discrimination student movement last year.
The case involves former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, and another individual, with the prosecution seeking the maximum punishment, the death penalty.
On Thursday, Tajul Islam submitted the appeal before the tribunal, chaired by Justice Md Golam Mortuza Mozumder. The former police inspector general and state approver, Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun, admitted responsibility for the crimes but left his sentencing to the court’s discretion.
The prosecutor stated that 1,400 students and citizens were killed during the uprising. He argued that while legally one death warrants one death penalty, justice requires the maximum sentence due to the scale of killings, emphasizing the importance of ensuring justice for the nation.
The prosecution’s case began on Sunday, stressing the Awami League government’s long tenure along with enforced disappearances and killings. Documentaries and evidence, including telephone conversations involving Sheikh Hasina, were presented over the following days, along with witness testimonies. The prosecution concluded its arguments on Tuesday, after which cross-examinations ended on October 8.
In total, 54 witnesses testified during 28 working days, including key figures like Mahmudur Rahman of Amar Desh and Nahid Islam of the National Citizen Party. The tribunal also recorded testimonies from investigation officers and those involved with evidence management.
Under Justice Mozumder’s leadership, the tribunal framed five charges against the accused based on a comprehensive case file of 8,747 pages, including references, documentary evidence, and victim lists. The tribunal rejected the accused’s petitions for acquittal and is proceeding with the trial.
