Indictment order against Inu, Hanif on November 2

The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT)-2 has set November 2 for passing order on charge framing against five people, including Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal President Hasanul Haq Inu and Awami League Joint General Secretary Mahbubul Alam Hanif, in two crimes against humanity cases over the killing of six people during the July uprising in Kushtia last year.

The three-member ICT-2, led by Justice Nazrul Islam Chowdhury, set the date on Tuesday.

Inu, currently in custody, was produced before the court.

During today's hearing, Inu's lawyer Mansurul Haque claimed: "None of the allegations brought against Inu are true. Because he was not in charge during the July-August movement. He was not in commanding posting to suppress the movement either. However, the prosecution has brought him under superior command responsibility. Therefore, I request the tribunal to thoroughly examine the charges brought against him. At the same time, I want the accused to be acquitted."

Meanwhile, Hanif and three other accused — all currently fugitives — remained absent despite being summoned.

State-appointed lawyer for Hanif, Md. Amir Hossain, criticized the background brought by the prosecution in the formal charge. Mentioning about three specific charges and requested the acquittal of the accused.

Formal charges in the cases were accepted on October 6, a day after prosecutors submitted three specific allegations: incitement, conspiracy, and the targeted killing of six individuals during the political unrest.

Arrest warrants were issued, and the accused were ordered to appear today.

The killings took place amid clashes linked to the July Uprising in Kushtia, which also left several others injured.

Two separate cases were filed against Inu, Hanif and the others.