Ashulia body burning case: Tribunal to decide on framing charges today

The International Crimes Tribunal-2 is set to deliver its order today on whether to frame charges against 16 accused in connection with the burning of six bodies during the July-August mass movement in Ashulia, Savar, where seven people were killed.

On August 13, the judicial panel, led by Justice Nazrul Islam Chowdhury, had set the date for order following the conclusion of the accused’s hearing.

The prosecution had completed its charge framing hearing on August 7.

Out of the 16 accused, eight appeared before the tribunal, while the remaining eight, including fugitive former MP Saiful Islam, failed to appear. The tribunal appointed two lawyers at the government's expense to represent the absconding accused and issued arrest notices for them on July 16.

The case stems from the incident on August 5 last year, when six youths were killed in police firing in Ashulia. Their bodies were later taken in a police van and set on fire.

The prosecution submitted a formal complaint on July 2, including extensive evidence such as witness statements, documents, and digital files. The tribunal has already taken cognizance of the charges against the accused.