The International Crimes Tribunal-2 (ICT-2) today continued hearing testimonies for the second consecutive day in the trial of 16 accused, including former lawmaker Saiful Islam, over crimes against humanity committed in Ashulia during the July 2024 Uprising.

The three-member panel, chaired by Justice Nazrul Islam Chowdhury with members Md Manjurul Bashid and Nur Mohammad Shahriar Kabir, began proceedings at 11:00 am.

On the second day, the tribunal completed the cross-examination of Khalilur Rahman, father of Shaheed Sajjad Hossain Sajal, who began testifying earlier. New testimony was also recorded afterward. Prosecutor Saimum Reza Talukder represented the state, while defense lawyers cross-examined the witnesses.

Earlier, on September 15, Rezwanul Islam, brother of Shaheed As Sabur, and Khalilur Rahman testified but their cross-examinations were incomplete. On September 14, Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Tajul Islam delivered the opening statement, outlining the charges and alleged atrocities.

According to the prosecution, on August 5, 2024, six young men were shot dead by law enforcement and their bodies set ablaze inside a police van to destroy evidence. One victim, allegedly still alive, was burned after petrol was poured on him.

The tribunal accepted the charges against the 16 accused on July 2 and framed them on August 21. Among the accused are former senior police officials and political figures, several of whom are in custody.

A case filed on September 11, 2024, formally accused the 16 of crimes against humanity in connection with the Ashulia incident. The trial remains ongoing.

MN/