ICT trial begins against Rashed Khan Menon and Qamrul Islam
The accused, who are currently in custody, were produced before the tribunal during the proceedings.
The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) has initiated formal trial proceedings in a case filed over alleged crimes against humanity during the July mass uprising, with testimony recorded against Workers Party President Rashed Khan Menon and former Food Minister Qamrul Islam.
Prosecutor BM Sultan Mahmud presented the opening statement before the three-member ICT-1 panel, led by Justice Md Golam Mortuza Mozumder, today (23 June).
Prosecutor BM Sultan said it appears that the two accused were involved in instigating and directing the use of lethal force during the imposition of curfew in the July Uprising.
Keep updated, follow The Business Standard's Google news channel
He alleged that their involvement led to firearms being used against protesters, causing casualties, and linked them to the killing of 23 demonstrators in Rampura and Badda during the movement.
The accused, who are currently in custody, were produced before the tribunal during the proceedings.
Following the opening statement, the tribunal recorded the partial testimony of the first witness, July movement participant Md Sakib Ahmed, 26, a second-year English student at the University of Information Technology and Sciences (UITS).
In his deposition, Sakib said that on 19 July 2024, after Friday prayers, he joined a procession near BRAC University with friends Maruf, Foysal and Rajib. He said they later heard intense gunfire coming from the direction of Rampura Bridge.
Sakib said he saw his friend Maruf fall onto the pavement after being shot in the lower abdomen. Maruf reportedly told him, "Mamu, I've been shot, save me."
He added that Maruf later died while being taken to Dhaka Medical College Hospital in an ambulance, where doctors declared him dead.
Sakib's testimony remains incomplete and is scheduled to resume on 29 June.
According to the prosecution, the accused face three charges, including the killing of 23 people in and around Badda during the July uprising.
The prosecution further alleged that the accused, as senior leaders of the Awami League-led 14-party alliance, incited the use of lethal weapons and enforced curfews to suppress unarmed student-led protests.
Earlier, on 30 April, the tribunal framed formal charges against Menon and Qamrul Islam, paving the way for the start of the trial.
