Testimony against Shamim Osman, 11 others set to begin today

Testimony in a case against former Member of Parliament Shamim Osman and 11 others over alleged crimes against humanity in Narayanganj is set to begin on Wednesday (June 10).

They have been sued over the killing of 10 people during the July uprising.

The International Crimes Tribunal-1, headed by Justice Md. Golam Mortuza Majumder, will first hear opening statements from the prosecution before formally commencing witness testimony.

The accused include Shamim Osman’s son Imtinan Osman Ayon, nephew Azmeri Osman, Ayon’s brother-in-law Minhaj Uddin Ahmed Vicky, former president of Narayanganj Rifles Club Tanvir Ahmed Titto, DBIS Narayanganj correspondent Raju Ahmed, former ward councillors Abdul Karim Babu and Kamrul Hasan Munna, as well as several local Awami League and Jubo League leaders. All accused remain absconding.

According to the case dossier, the charges cover three incidents of killings between July 19 and August 5, 2024, in Narayanganj’s Chashara, Signboard area, Bhuiyaghar bus stand and surrounding locations. Victims include students, workers and civilians, among them minors.

The tribunal had earlier framed charges against the 12 accused after accepting formal indictments submitted by the prosecution on January 19 this year. Proceedings are being conducted in absentia, with state-appointed defence counsel representing the accused.

The court has set today’s hearing for opening statements and the commencement of witness testimony.