Preparations for new government formation began on Aug 4: Nahid Islam

National Citizen Party (NCP) convener Nahid Islam has revealed that on August 4, 2024, preliminary discussions were held with Dr Muhammad Yunus regarding the formation of a new government. Nahid also disclosed that he was proposed to take on the role of the new government’s head.

Nahid Islam gave this statement on the second day of his testimony before the International Crimes Tribunal-1, chaired by Justice Md. Golam Mortuza Mazumder, on Thursday (September 18). Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Tajul Islam and other prosecution members were present. After the testimony, Nahid will be cross-examined by Md. Amir Hossain, the state-appointed lawyer representing Sheikh Hasina and former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal.

In a related development, former Police Inspector General (IGP) Chowdhury Abdullah Al Mamun admitted to committing crimes against humanity during the student-led mass uprising on July 10, 2024. Mamun confessed before the tribunal that the allegations of murder and genocide during the July-August movement were true. He expressed willingness to testify as a royal witness and assist the court in uncovering the full extent of the crimes committed during that period.

Mamun made these remarks during the charge framing proceedings before the three-member tribunal led by Justice Mazumder.

On the same day, the tribunal formally framed charges against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, and Chowdhury Abdullah Al Mamun. The tribunal rejected their petitions for acquittal and moved forward with the trial.

The prosecution has filed five charges of crimes against humanity against the accused. The official charge sheet spans 8,747 pages, including 2,018 pages of evidence documentation, 4,005 pages of seizure lists and documents, and 2,724 pages detailing the victims. A total of 81 witnesses have been summoned for the trial.