Tribunal orders newspaper notice for fugitive accused including Sheikh Hasina

The International Crimes Tribunal has ordered the publication of a newspaper notice summoning former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and other fugitive accused in three cases related to crimes against humanity. The tribunal has also set November 20, 2025 for the next hearing in two cases concerning abduction and murder.

The order was issued on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, by a three-member panel of Tribunal-1 led by Justice Md Golam Mortuza Mozumdar, with Justice Md Shofiul Alam Mahmud and retired District and Sessions Judge Md Mohitul Haque Enam Chowdhury as members.

During the day’s proceedings, hearings were held in three cases. Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Tazul Islam represented the prosecution. Following the hearing, he informed that 15 accused had been presented before the tribunal. Among them, 10 accused involved in the RAB’s TFI Cell abduction and torture case were sent to jail under court order.

The tribunal also directed that a public notice be published in two national dailies within seven days (by October 29), calling on fugitive accused including Sheikh Hasina to appear before the court.

In another case involving abductions at the Joint Interrogation Cell (JIC), three of the 13 accused were produced before the tribunal, who were also sent to jail. The next hearing in this case was likewise set for November 20.

In the Rampura massacre case, filed over the killing of 28 people during the July-August movement, two present accused were ordered to be sent to jail, while the tribunal instructed publication of a newspaper notice for two fugitives. The next hearing in this case is scheduled for November 5.

Earlier, on October 8, the prosecution filed formal charges against 34 accused in three separate cases. The tribunal took cognisance of the charges, issued arrest warrants, and fixed today’s hearing date. Among the accused, 25 are army officers, while Sheikh Hasina is named in two of the cases.

The Army Headquarters confirmed that 15 army officers were taken into custody on October 11.