ICT issues surrender notice to Hasina, Kamal

The International Crimes Tribunal has issued a formal notice directing Sheikh Hasina and former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal to surrender in connection with crimes against humanity charges related to the July-August genocide.

The tribunal’s registrar released the notice on Tuesday, June 17, publishing it in national newspapers. Sheikh Hasina and Asaduzzaman Kamal have seven days to appear before the court, or the trial will continue in their absence.

This follows a June 16 order from the tribunal to publish notices in two newspapers, requesting the accused to present themselves within one week. The next hearing date has been set for June 24.

The three-member tribunal, chaired by Justice Md. Golam Mortuza Majumder, also saw the appearance of former Police Chief Chowdhury Abdullah Al Mamun, another accused in the case.

Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Tajul Islam led the prosecution during the hearing.

Last year, on June 1, the tribunal accepted five charges against Sheikh Hasina and two others in the genocide case. New arrest warrants were issued against Sheikh Hasina and Asaduzzaman Kamal at that time.

An investigation report submitted on May 12 names Sheikh Hasina as the mastermind behind the July genocide. The tribunal had previously ordered the investigation to be completed by April 20.

In addition, the tribunal is handling cases related to the killing of unarmed students and protesters during the anti-discrimination student movement, which claimed nearly 1,500 lives.