3 more witnesses testify against Sheikh Hasina in ICT

Three additional witnesses testified against Sheikh Hasina and three others, including former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, on the fifth day of the crimes against humanity trial at the International Crimes Tribunal-1.

With these new testimonies, the total number of witnesses has reached 12.

Former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun, who is also an accused in the case, has confessed to his involvement and become a public witness.

The prosecution was led by Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Tajul Islam, along with Prosecutors Mizanul Islam, Gazi MH Tamim, Faruk Ahmed, Moinul Karim, and Abdus Sattar Palawan.

The state-appointed lawyer, Md. Amir Hossain, interrogated the witnesses on behalf of Sheikh Hasina and Asaduzzaman Kamal.

On Monday, August 18, witnesses Robiul (brother of deceased Imam Hasan Taim), Jashim (an eyewitness), and 'July fighter' Enam presented their statements before the tribunal, which is chaired by Justice Md. Golam Mortuza Majumdar.

The case involves multiple charges, including murder and genocide, filed against Sheikh Hasina, Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, and Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun for their roles in the July-August mass movement. The tribunal has heard testimony from 81 witnesses, with further proceedings ongoing.

Nine additional witnesses have already testified in the crimes against humanity case. On August 17, four witnesses—vegetable seller Abdus Samad, Mizan Mia, student Naim Sikder, and Shahina Begum (mother of the deceased Sajjad Hossain Sajal)—gave their statements. On August 6, eyewitnesses Rina Murmu and AKM Moinul Haque testified, followed by the testimonies of two more witnesses on August 4: paralyzed student Abdullah Al Imran and day labourer Parveen, who lost her sight. The first witness, Khokon Chandra Barman, who was injured during the mass movement, testified after the opening statement on August 3.

The tribunal initiated the trial on July 10, filing formal charges against Sheikh Hasina, Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, and Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun. The prosecution has leveled five charges, including murder and genocide, in a comprehensive 8,747-page charge sheet. A total of 81 witnesses are set to testify. On May 12, the tribunal's investigation agency submitted its report to the Chief Prosecutor.