Prosecution seeks postponement of ICT‑1 verdict in Rampura killings case

The prosecution, led by newly appointed Chief Prosecutor Aminul Islam, will move the International Crimes Tribunal‑1 (ICT‑1) tomorrow seeking a postponement of the verdict in a crimes against humanity case over the killing of two people and shooting of two others in Dhaka's Rampura during the July Uprising.

The three‑member tribunal had earlier fixed tomorrow for delivering judgement in the case against five former police officers, including then Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) commissioner Habibur Rahman.

Contacted, Aminul Islam told The Daily Star that the prosecution would file a petition seeking deferment. “We believe there are certain shortcomings, and we have scope to address those,” he said.

The other accused are then DMP (Khilgaon Zone) ADC Rashedul Islam, then Rampura Police Station OC Mashiur Rahman, then SI Tarikul Islam Bhuiyan, and then ASI Chanchal Chandra Sarkar of Rampura outpost.

Of them, only Chanchal is in custody, while the rest remain absconding.

The tribunal had set March 4, 2026, for verdict after both sides concluded arguments on February 15.

According to the prosecution, on July 19, 2024, six‑year‑old Musa was critically injured during police action in Rampura. The same bullet allegedly struck and killed his grandmother, Maya Begum. Another victim, Md Nadim, was shot dead.

In a separate incident that day, a widely circulated video showed 18‑year‑old Amir Hossain clinging to a building ledge before being fired upon at close range by policemen.

Formal charges were submitted on August 7, 2024, and charges were framed on September 17. The trial began on October 16 with the prosecution’s opening statement.