ICT-1 set to deliver verdict today against ex-DMP Chief, 7 others

The International Crimes Tribunal-1 (ICT-1) is set to deliver its verdict today in a crimes against humanity case over the killing of six people during the July uprising at Chankharpul in the capital, with former Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) commissioner Habibur Rahman among eight accused police officials.

A three-member bench, led by Justice Md Golam Mortuza Mozumder, will pronounce the verdict on Monday (January 26).

The other members of the bench are Justice Md Shafiul Alam Mahmud and retired district and sessions judge Md Mohitul Haque Enam Chowdhury.

The verdict was originally scheduled for January 20 but was deferred as it was not ready, prompting the tribunal to fix today’s date.

The case stems from the August 5, 2024 incident in which six people—Shahriar Khan Anas, Sheikh Junaid, Yakub, Rakib Hawlader, Ismam-ul Haque and Manik Mia—were killed.

Following the incident, the investigation agency submitted a 90-page report to the prosecution on April 21 last year. After scrutiny, the prosecution filed formal charges before ICT-1 on May 25, the same day the tribunal took cognisance of the charges and issued arrest warrants against the eight accused.

Four accused—former Shahbagh Police Station inspector (operations) Md Arshad Hossain, constable Md Sujon Mia, Md Imaz Hossain Emon and Md Nasirul Islam—are in custody, while four—including former DMP commissioner Habibur Rahman—remain absconding.

The absconding accused are former DMP commissioner Habibur Rahman, former joint commissioner Sudip Kumar Chakraborty, former Ramna division additional deputy commissioner Shah Alam Md Akhtarul Islam, and former assistant commissioner Mohammad Imrul.

The tribunal framed charges against the accused on July 14 last year, formally opening the trial. Testimony began on August 11, with Shahriar Khan Palash, father of victim Anas, appearing as the first witness. A total of 26 witnesses, including the investigating officer, were examined over 23 working days, concluding on December 10. Closing arguments began on December 15, and the verdict date was initially fixed for December 24 before being deferred to January 26.

The prosecution submitted 19 video clips, 11 newspaper reports, two audio recordings, a book, 11 additional documents and six death certificates as seized evidence in the case.

The prosecution has sought the maximum punishment, while the defence has pleaded for acquittal. The verdict will determine the fate of the eight police officials.