ICT to deliver order on charge framing against Inu, Hanif, and 2 others today

The International Crimes Tribunal-2 is set to deliver its order today (November 2) on the framing of charges against former Information Minister and Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (JSD) President Hasanul Haq Inu, Awami League Joint General Secretary Mahbubul Alam Hanif, and two others in two separate cases over the killing of six people during the July–August movement in Kushtia.

A three-member bench of the tribunal, headed by Justice Nazrul Islam Chowdhury, will pronounce the order. The other members of the bench are retired district and sessions judges Md Manjurul Bashid and Nur Mohammad Shahriar Kabir.

According to the prosecution, Inu faces eight specific charges, including aiding and abetting mass killings. During the hearing on October 28, his defence counsel sought discharge, arguing that the charges were unfounded and politically motivated. The prosecution, however, opposed the plea, asserting that Inu’s “command responsibility” in the incidents was evident.

Hanif and the three co-accused — Kushtia Awami League President Sadar Uddin Khan, General Secretary Azgar Ali, and City General Secretary Ataur Rahman Ata — have been charged with incitement, conspiracy, and murder.

As the four accused remain absconding, the tribunal appointed state defence counsel to represent them. Arrest warrants and public notices were earlier issued following their failure to appear before the court.

Inu was arrested on August 26 last year and remains in judicial custody. Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Tazul Islam, assisted by prosecutors Gazi MH Tamim and Abdus Sattar Palowan, concluded arguments for charge framing on October 27, seeking commencement of formal trial proceedings.

After hearing both sides, the tribunal fixed November 2 for delivering its order on whether the charges will be formally framed for trial.